‘Voicemails for Isabelle’ Release Date and Critics Score Worth Discussing

Netflix has established itself as a go-to platform for modern romantic comedies, and its latest film, ‘Voicemails for Isabelle’, continues that trend. Released on June 19, the film centers around themes of grief, unexpected connections, and the raw honesty that voicemails can convey.

Written and directed by Leah McKendrick, the story follows Jill, an aspiring pastry chef in San Francisco who is coping with the loss of her younger sister, Isabelle. To deal with her grief, Jill leaves voicemails for her deceased sister. However, when Isabelle’s old phone number is reassigned to Wes, a real estate agent in Austin, he starts receiving her heartfelt messages and finds himself falling for the woman behind them.

Upon its debut, ‘Voicemails for Isabelle’ garnered an 81% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes based on early reviews, a number that may fluctuate as more critiques come in. Audience reactions have been even more positive, with a 94% approval rating from over 100 ratings. Critics have praised the film for its emotional depth, blending heartache with humor, and maintaining a sincere tone without becoming overly sentimental.

The journey to this release was not straightforward. Initially announced in 2019 with Hailee Steinfeld in the lead role and Sharon Maguire directing, the project faced delays. It wasn’t until 2025 that McKendrick took the reins to write and direct the reimagined story for Netflix, with filming commencing in Vancouver that July.

McKendrick has shared her thoughts on why the voicemail format was ideal for this love story. In an interview with Netflix Tudum, she described voicemails as messy and confessional, embodying a stream of consciousness that often goes off track. This unfiltered honesty is a key element of the film’s romantic narrative.

Zoey Deutch stars as Jill, with Nick Robinson portraying Wes. The two actors have known each other for years through mutual friends in Los Angeles before finally collaborating on this project. The cast also includes Nick Offerman as Jill’s arrogant pastry boss Chef Bastien, Harry Shum Jr. as Wes’s loyal best friend, Lukas Gage, and Ciara Bravo as the late Isabelle.

For Deutch, this film marks a return to the genre that first showcased her chemistry with Netflix, building on the success she found with the 2018 rom-com ‘Set It Up’. Whether ‘Voicemails for Isabelle’ will resonate with subscribers in the same way remains to be seen, but with a strong cast and a promising reception, early signs are encouraging. Are you intrigued by the idea of falling in love through accidental voicemails, or does the premise still need to win you over?