The director behind Netflix's latest romantic hit, 'Voicemails for Isabelle', has admitted she harboured significant reservations about a pivotal moment in the film's conclusion. Leah McKendrick confessed she worried the subtle, full-circle scene might be perceived as 'creepy' by audiences, potentially undermining the entire movie.
Released last week, 'Voicemails for Isabelle' stars Zoey Deutch as Jill, an aspiring baker who regularly leaves voice messages for her deceased sister, Isabelle. Unbeknownst to Jill, Isabelle's old phone number has been reassigned to Wes, a real estate agent played by Nick Robinson, who eventually embarks on a quest to find her.
The contentious scene unfolds after Jill and Wes have reconciled following a misunderstanding. Wes bravely asks Jill to move in with him and, sitting outside Jill's food truck, leaves a voicemail for Isabelle, asking for a sign of approval. As Jill approaches, Robyn's 'Dancing on My Own' – a song significant to Jill and Isabelle – begins to play. Jill then runs to the centre of a field, inviting strangers to join her in a choreographed routine she once shared with her sister. It is during this joyous moment that the camera briefly pans to reveal Isabelle dancing subtly behind Jill, a fleeting, almost ethereal presence.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, McKendrick elaborated on her initial hesitation regarding this 'Easter egg'. She stated, "I could totally ruin my movie in this last moment, or it could be so epic." The director explained that the team meticulously 'calibrated' the shot to ensure Isabelle's appearance was discernible but not overtly obvious or "spoon-feedy and creepy and weird." Her intention was for viewers to question what they saw, prompting them to rewind and re-watch, providing "a glimpse into almost like another realm."
Despite McKendrick's initial concerns, the reaction from viewers has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans have described the moment as beautiful and deeply emotional, with many sharing their tearful reactions on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). One commenter noted, "I noticed Izzy the first time I watched the movie. Then I saw her I cried so much, she came back for one last dance with her sister." McKendrick expressed her satisfaction with this reception, telling Entertainment Weekly that she was "so glad it didn't feel creepy, and it's really satisfying to see all the edits of people pointing it out."
'Voicemails for Isabelle' is currently available to stream in the UK on Netflix, offering British audiences the chance to experience the heartwarming romance and the much-discussed final scene for themselves.