Netflix’s latest romcom Voicemails for Isabelle disappoints viewers with its unsettling premise, according to The Guardian.
What happened
Netflix’s film Voicemails for Isabelle features Jill, played by Zoey Deutch, who begins leaving voicemails for her deceased sister on an old phone. However, the number now belongs to Wes (Nick Robinson), a stranger who listens to the messages and tracks Jill down. He ultimately inserts himself into her life without revealing the truth of their connection.
Writer-director Leah McKendrick incorporates humor but struggles to balance the unsettling nature of the premise with the film’s romantic appeal. McKendrick refers to the situation as “a sick reboot of You’ve Got Mail.” Despite this self-awareness, the film relies on typical romantic comedy tropes while failing to address the oddity underlying the characters’ interactions.
Why it matters
The film’s mix of outdated notions of romance with a modern sensibility raises concerns about the portrayal of relationships in cinema. By pointing out the creepiness of Wes’s behavior without critically engaging with it, the film misses the opportunity to challenge harmful stereotypes often found in the genre. Viewers may leave with discomfort rather than the expected romantic satisfaction.
Background
On May 20, 2026, promotional materials indicated that Voicemails for Isabelle harkens back to early 2000s romantic comedies while attempting to modernize the genre. The film had been planned to star Hailee Steinfeld in its original conception, delaying its release to adapt to contemporary sensibilities.
What’s next
Voicemails for Isabelle is now available for streaming on Netflix, allowing viewers to explore its mixed reviews and form their own conclusions about its contribution to the romcom genre.
