A combination of two elements that might leave you wondering just why you are about to click play on your next streaming film: A romantic comedy, and it is streaming on Netflix. Not to say either of those options can be good on their own, but something absurd reminds us that when we combine streaming services with the romance, we are usually left underwhelmed, annoyed and even bored. Click play on this film, however, and you might actually find you are enjoying yourself.

Now, who is to say how Voicemails for Isabelle does just that? Gives audiences something to truly connect with. But I believe that the right elements in combination might just come from writer-director Leah McKendrick. What can be seen in this bit too lengthy movie holds to a female voice at heart. You might say I am biased. When in truth, I believe a compelling female lead performance is all the more impactful emotionally and storytelling-wise when a female herself writes the character. 

It is a story we recognise when it first begins. Young siblings Jill and Isabelle are inseparable. Having suffered from cancer for most of her life into adulthood, Isabelle (Ciara Bravo) is continuously there to support her sister’s endeavours. Present day, Jill (Zoey Deutsch) is out in the field, trying to be the best baker she can. Constantly calling Isabelle, Jill gets constant reassurance, love and support from her, and vice versa.

Voicemails for Isabelle in its beginning proves itself to be a strong familial relationship film. The bond between sisters is beyond breakable, no matter their circumstances. The love Jill and Isabelle have for each other comes across ever so great through the screen. As an older sister myself, I know exactly the love, pain, and empathy Jill feels for young and cancer-stricken Isabelle. 

Where the film hits us even harder is when the plot thickens. As we all expected, Isabelle heartbreakingly loses to the horrendous disease — as all do in the world. Jill, however, is the one left behind. The character we all focus on. To cope with her sister’s death, as she had done before, Jill continues to call her phone. Except that, without Isabelle on the other end, she must leave voicemails. Within the chaotic life she lives in San Francisco, and amidst trying to become the baker we all know she can become, these voicemails describe the day-to-day, the insane or normal occurrences, and anything Jill needs to rant about. 

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Amidst the moments Deutsch is on the phone to her deceased sister, perhaps not everyone can feel the pain and loss she feels, but for someone such as myself, who knows what it is like having a younger sister, you can only feel the fear of losing yours. For Deutsch, who has really only played characters in comedies and romantic comedies, her role as Jill takes on a different perspective. Yes, she is still acting in a rom-com, but this one allows her to showcase both her comedic talent and dramatic abilities as well. You cannot help but find yourself connected to her character and rooting for her through to the end. Voicemails for Isabelle might be a romantic comedy, but at its heart is the relationship that was first developed between the sisters.

Unfortunately, and uncomfortably for us audience members, her voicemails do not go to her sister’s number. They are picked up by the man who inherited Isabelle’s number after her passing. A real estate agent, the elusive Austin (Nick Robinson), is the man on the other side of the phone. As he begins receiving and listening to these overly private messages from Jill, he begins to develop feelings for the elusive female he has yet to truly know. 

McKendrick knew what she was doing when creating the world and background lore. As a viewer, you feel like you know what you are going to witness in this typical rom-com. Yet somehow, there are enough twists, turns and surprises between characters that you are kept happily surprised. In recent years, with all the romance and comedy films out there, there is little space for differing stories. So when you can watch a film that keeps you enthralled, even if not for the entirety, it gives us the entertainment we watch movies for.

Both leads have the familiar faces we know from prior romance and comedy films. Seeing the two of them unite hints at a recognisable element. With them cast together, their individual talents work well to bring us closer to Jill and Austin. Rooting for the two of them as individuals, Jill of course more, we are looking forward to the end to see where the film brings them on this part of their life journey.

Voicemails for Isabelle is an enjoyable streaming service film. A surprising turn of events keeps you emotional and entertained. With a female behind the camera and script, the aspects that might have otherwise not been heightened are easier to keep you hooked.

★★★ 1/2

Streaming on Netflix from June 19th / Zoey Deutsch, Nick Robinson, Nick Offerman, Lukas Gage, Ciara Bravo / Dir: Leah McKendrick / Netflix / 15

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