Netflix's latest original romantic comedy, 'Voicemails to Isabelle', has swiftly climbed to the number one position on the platform's Top 10 chart, captivating audiences across the UK and beyond. The film, which premiered on Friday, 19th June, features Zoey Deutch as Jill, an aspiring baker who continues to leave voicemails for her deceased sister, Isabelle. Nick Robinson plays Wes, an estate agent whose phone number is reassigned to Isabelle's old line, leading him to develop feelings for Jill through her messages.
The film has garnered considerable critical acclaim, achieving an 84 per cent rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes from professional critics. Even more notably, its audience score stands at an impressive 91 per cent, indicating a strong connection with viewers. This positive reception positions 'Voicemails to Isabelle' as one of Netflix's more successful original romantic comedies, an genre where the streamer's offerings can sometimes be inconsistent.
Written and directed by Leah McKendrick, the narrative delves into the complex emotions of grief and the unexpected ways new relationships can form. Jill's journey of mourning her sister, who died from cystic fibrosis, is depicted with a raw honesty that has resonated deeply with viewers. Many have taken to social media platforms to share their emotional responses, with numerous reports of crying throughout the two-hour film.
Zoey Deutch, known for her roles in other Netflix productions such as 'The Politician' and 'Set It Up', has acknowledged the film's emotional impact. In a recent interview, she mentioned receiving numerous videos of people crying, expressing appreciation for the shared emotional experience. Her performance has also been singled out by critics, with The Times describing her as a 'criminally underused Hollywood heavyweight' and The New York Times praising her ability to transition the film from a 'tear-jerker' to a 'rom-com with poignant notes'.
Despite the widespread praise, some critics have raised concerns regarding the dynamic between the two main characters. The Guardian, for instance, suggested the film 'picks creepy over cute', alluding to a potentially unsettling aspect of Wes's pursuit of Jill through her voicemails. Director Leah McKendrick has reportedly expressed her own apprehensions about the final scene possibly being perceived as 'creepy' by audiences.
'Voicemails to Isabelle' is exclusively available for streaming in the UK on Netflix, where it continues to dominate the charts, proving that a blend of heartfelt emotion and romantic comedy can still strike a chord with a broad audience.