Netflix’s ‘Voicemails for Isabelle’ Wins Over Audiences and Critics as Rotten Tomatoes Score Drops
Netflix’s latest romantic comedy, ‘Voicemails for Isabelle’, is swiftly gaining popularity among both critics and viewers. The film has received strong reviews that commend its emotional narrative, charming performances, and heartfelt exploration of love and loss.
Released on Netflix on June 19, the film is both written and directed by Leah McKendrick. It features a talented cast including Zoey Deutch, Nick Robinson, Harry Shum Jr., Lukas Gage, and Nick Offerman, blending romance with themes of grief, healing, and moving forward.
The story centers on Jill, a woman grappling with the sudden death of her sister, Isabelle. Struggling to cope, Jill begins leaving heartfelt voicemails on Isabelle’s old phone number to maintain a connection. Unbeknownst to her, the number has been reassigned to someone else.
That someone is Wes, a man who starts receiving Jill’s intimate messages. As he listens to her voicemails, he becomes increasingly drawn into her story, leading to an unexpected bond between them.
The movie has garnered a positive reception on Rotten Tomatoes, boasting an 85% Tomatometer score from critics based on 41 reviews. Audiences have responded even more favorably, awarding the film a 91% Popcornmeter score from over 250 ratings.
Critics have particularly praised the performances of Deutch and Robinson, along with the film’s emotional depth. While the narrative follows familiar romantic comedy tropes, many reviewers feel the cast brings a fresh and meaningful perspective to the film.
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz from Fangirlish commended the film’s handling of grief, stating, “Grief is in every part of the movie, and it colors everything Jill does and says, and even how she feels. But the movie isn’t about how you grieve; it’s about how to keep moving forward, and that makes it way more uplifting than it had any right to be.”
Jerrica Tisdale from Tell-Tale TV also praised the film, labeling it one of Netflix’s strongest romantic comedies in recent years. She rated the movie 4/5, noting, “This may be one of Netflix’s best romantic comedies in a while. Zoey Deutch is really their rom-com gold, but Nick Robinson is just as charming.”
Other critics have highlighted the chemistry between the leads as one of the film’s standout features. Randy Myers from the San Jose Mercury News lauded director Leah McKendrick’s writing and the performances, asserting that the film resonates due to its relatable characters.
Deadline’s Pete Hammond also emphasized the emotional connection between the main characters, explaining that the couple at the heart of the story is what keeps viewers engaged.
Dustin Rowles from Pajiba acknowledged that while the film adheres to a familiar romantic comedy formula, the strong performances elevate it. “It’s formulaic, sure, but the formula works when the ingredients are this high-quality. Deutch and Robinson have impeccable chemistry,” he remarked.
The film’s success indicates that audiences are still seeking romantic comedies that deliver more than just a love story. By intertwining romance with themes of loss and recovery, ‘Voicemails for Isabelle’ resonates with viewers looking for something both emotional and entertaining.
With strong reviews and an increasing audience response, the Netflix film is rapidly becoming one of the most discussed romantic comedies of 2026.
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