'Voicemails For Isabelle' review: Heartwarming rom-com with emotional depth
Zoey Deutch delivers a powerful performance in Leah McKendrick's film, authentically portraying the pain of loss, while Nick Robinson complements her with undeniable chemistry
Heartfelt rom-coms with palpable chemistry between lovers are back with Leah McKendrick’s Netflix release “Voicemails For Isabelle”, starring Zoey Deutch, Nick Robinson, and Ciara Bravo. The story follows the journey of Jill Shaw, who recently lost her sister, Isabelle, to cystic fibrosis, and
Heartfelt rom-coms with palpable chemistry between lovers are back with Leah McKendrick’s Netflix release “Voicemails For Isabelle”, starring Zoey Deutch, Nick Robinson, and Ciara Bravo. The story follows the journey of Jill Shaw, who recently lost her sister, Isabelle, to cystic fibrosis, and
Heartfelt rom-coms with palpable chemistry between lovers are back with Leah McKendrick’s Netflix release “Voicemails For Isabelle”, starring Zoey Deutch, Nick Robinson, and Ciara Bravo. The story follows the journey of Jill Shaw, who recently lost her sister, Isabelle, to cystic fibrosis, and
Heartfelt rom-coms with palpable chemistry between lovers are back with Leah McKendrick’s Netflix release “Voicemails For Isabelle”, starring Zoey Deutch, Nick Robinson, and Ciara Bravo. The story follows the journey of Jill Shaw, who recently lost her sister, Isabelle, to cystic fibrosis, and leaves voicemails for her every time she needs her presence. However, the voicemails reach Wes, an Austin-based real estate agent. The movie establishes itself as a rom-com, but it is emotionally grounded by sisterhood.
The film finds one instantly hooked, as it is rife with pop culture references and a popular soundtrack featuring Taylor Swift’s "Marjorie, New Year’s Day, BORNS’ "Electric Love," The Cinematic Orchestra’s "To Build A Home," and many more. Gen-Z humour is baked into it with multiple references to Jacob Elordi and Timothée Chalamet and the use of Vivaldi’s music for an intense yet comedic effect. It reaches its pinnacle when USHER’s Hey, Daddy (Daddy’s Home) hits, which leaves one giggling. The conversations about the dating world and apps like Hinge make the film a lot more relatable to the younger audience.
Zoey Deutch's performance is notable for her portrayal of the grief at a sister’s loss. Her dialogue delivery, along with her body language, makes the audience feel the loss alongside her. McKendrick’s writing is commendable for making us feel Isabelle’s presence through flashbacks and voicemails despite her absence. Nick Robinson’s chemistry with Deutch leaves one blushing, along with her charm.
The movie is enlivened with multiple little details. Jill is seen using a blanket with printed pastries, signifying her passion and aspired profession. Her choice of accessories also portrays the free spirit that she is — a person filled with whimsy and humour. These small touches give the film a lot more personality and authenticity to her character.
The emotional anchor of the film is not the sweet romance between Wes and Jill but rather the connection between two strangers through a series of voicemails that speak for grief, loss, memory and coping. Moreover, it is an expression of the strong bond that Isabelle and Jill share through sisterhood. This foundation helps the movie steer clear of the label of yet another run-of-the-mill quirky rom-com.
Despite containing some rom-com cliches, like running in the rain to the lover, the emotional core of the film resonates with us, with multiple perfectly landed moments of humour and relatable moments. “Voicemails for Isabelle” is that much-needed heartwarming rom-com released this year.
Film: Voicemails for Isabelle
Director: Leah McKendrick
Cast: Zoey Deutch, Nick Robinson, and Ciara Bravo
Rating: 3.5/5