Film Review: Voicemails for Isabelle

Voicemails for Isabelle is a romantic comedy drama on Netflix, starring Zoey Deutch and Nick Robinson.

Over the weekend, I decided to sit down and have some me-time to relax. This consisted of reading my book – Love Wells Kept for those wondering – and watching a movie.

There are quite a few films that have come out recently that I want to watch, including Enola Holmes 3 and Project Hail Mary. However, the movie I chose was one I've seen recommended on social media for its emotional storylines and rom-com aspects.

Lots of viewers shared how much they cried whilst watching, but also just how heartwarming a story it was, so I thought I'd give it a watch.

And the movie is Voicemails for Isabelle.

I loved it so much that I thought I'd share a mini review for those of you who love a good movie night.

Review of Voicemails for Isabelle

Genre: Romantic Comedy Drama

Stars: Zoey Deutch, Nick Robinson, Harry Shum Jr., Leah McKendrick, Ciara Bravo

Where to Watch: Netflix

My Rating: 9/10

Synopsis

The synopsis for Voicemails for Isabelle is as follows:

Jill leaves voice messages to her deceased sister telling her about her chaotic life in San Francisco. Unwittingly, a mysterious Austin, TX real estate agent, Wes, begins to receive Jill's voicemails, and whilst listening to them, he falls in love.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mi3YVYm3ZU

My Thoughts

I want to start this review by talking about the start of the film.

I knew going into this that it would be sad. How can it not when the entire premise is based upon the fact that Jill has lost her younger sister, Isabelle, to cancer?

However, despite knowing that it would likely be a very emotional movie, I did not anticipate how emotional I would find it. The relationship between the sisters is what really tugged at my heartstrings.

If you do have siblings, you can probably find it easier to relate to the protagonists because it would be quite easy to put yourself in Jill's shoes. And that is why I sobbed so much that I had to pause the TV because I couldn't see through my tears.

That being said, whilst I did cry for a lot of the movie, I also laughed out loud and giggled.

The movie begins showing the sisters at a young age and highlighting how devoted they are to one another. These scenes were so heartwarming and fun to watch. As it progresses, the movie obviously takes a sad and emotional turn before turning to happier notes, which involve Jill's relationship with Wes.

After her sister dies, Jill leaves chaotic voicemails as a way of coping and getting through life, not knowing that her sister's phone number has been reassigned to Wes, who has, in fact, received all the voicemails.

When they meet, it turns straight into a classic rom-com. Even Wes's best friends -- played by Harry Shum Jr., and the writer of the movie, Leah McKendrick -- respond to him saying 'Tom Hanks is America's sweetheart' with 'You are not Tom Hanks, ' once they find out about the voicemails.

But Voicemails for Isabelle does have that nostalgic romcom feel about it.

There are love confessions, solidarity in friendships, running through the rain, and dancing on top of a hill in public in broad daylight.

Yes, if we're looking at it pragmatically and with a safety hat on, Wes listening to Jill's voicemails without her knowing is not necessarily the best or safest course of action. However, this movie spins it around and turns it into life's plan for Wes and Jill.

They are almost fated to meet through Isabelle, and I loved watching them progress from friends, who have both sworn off the opposite sex after lots of failed dates, to slowly falling in love and realising just how much they like spending time with the other person.

There is, of course, a third-act break-up, which I know a lot of readers, in particular, aren't necessarily fond of, but for me, this conflict gives Jill the push to properly move on in life.

I loved her telling Wes that she does not need a man, and goes to prove that statement true. And in Wes's love confession, I love how he acknowledges that fact but says that he needs her.

Voicemails for Isabelle is one of the best films I've watched this year. It is full of humour, sisterhood, love, and more. It reflects the devotion siblings can have to one another, and that is what really pulled me in.

Zoey Deutch is an incredible actress and her portrayal of Jill's character was amazing. Her emotions were so raw and I loved watching her bring this movie to life alongside Nick Robinson, who I think is a great romcom actor.

So, if you're looking for a new film to watch, definitely check out Voicemails for Isabelle on Netflix. Whether you want to cry, laugh, fall in love, etc., give it a watch and let me know what you think in the comments below.

Until next time...