Voicemails for Isabelle Review: Netflix’s Most Emotional Rom-Com of 2026

Voicemails for Isabelle: Netflix’s Newest Classic Rom Com

This article contains light spoilers.

Grab your tissues, everyone. Netflix’s newest rom-com, Voicemails for Isabelle, just dropped, and it’s definitely a tearjerker. 

Inspired by You’ve Got Mail, the film follows Jill (Zoey Deutch), an aspiring baker trying to live out the dreams she and her sister once shared. When her sister and best friend, Izzy (Ciara Bravo), passes away after a long battle with cystic fibrosis, Jill begins leaving voicemails on Izzy’s old phone number, filling her in on the details of her daily life.

What Jill doesn’t know is that Izzy’s number has been reassigned to real estate mogul Wes (Nick Robinson). As Wes continues receiving these messages, he can’t help but fall for the voice behind them. After an impromptu work trip to San Francisco and a carefully staged meet-cute, Wes finally comes face-to-face with the woman he’s been listening to for months.

The chemistry between Robinson and Deutch was off the charts. Both seasoned rom-com stars, it was wonderful to see them share the screen in a story that was equal parts romantic and heartbreaking. While it’s been a little while since we’ve seen either of them lead a romance, they stepped back into the genre with ease. As someone who has followed both actors since the early stages of their careers, it was especially exciting to see them together.

Robinson, in particular, always excels at portraying characters in emotional turmoil. His characters often seem stuck between a rock and a hard place, and Wes is no exception. His ability to convey conflicting emotions is so effective that I found myself feeling torn right alongside him. Alongside Robinson and Deutch, the film boasts a strong supporting cast that delivers some of its funniest moments. While the voicemails themselves provide a few laughs, much of the comedy takes place in the bakery kitchen. Between Nick Offerman, Lukas Gage, and Megan Danso, there is no shortage of memorable and laugh-out-loud moments.

What I appreciated most about Voicemails for Isabelle was its honest portrayal of chasing your dreams while trying to find your footing in a new place and overcoming loss. Jill is a character many viewers will be able to relate to. Whether it’s dealing with a difficult boss, navigating life in a new city, surviving dating disasters, or processing grief, she feels incredibly grounded and real.

What I found most inspiring about Jill was her determination to follow her dreams. She always had a vision for the future she and her sister would build together and never let fear of the unconventional stand in her way. Even when taking risks led to a few setbacks-and a few literal fires-Jill reminds us that some risks are worth taking. More importantly, she shows that even when you're deep in grief, you’re still capable of doing hard things.

What I especially loved was that grief remained at the heart of the story. Too often in romance films, grief becomes secondary once the love story takes center stage. Here, grief comes first and love comes second, allowing both journeys to feel equally meaningful. The film’s emotional payoff comes in a beautiful final moment when both Jill and Wes leave voicemails for Izzy, one saying goodbye and the other saying hello. It was a simple but incredibly moving scene.

This movie has all the elements of a classic rom-com: the grand gesture, the race to win back the person you love, the stunning backdrop of San Francisco, and a fantastic soundtrack featuring Taylor Swift and Robyn that will have you dancing right along with the characters. And of course, there are plenty of tears. By the end, my sad tears had turned into happy ones for Jill and Wes. Did anyone else catch Izzy dancing with them to Robyn in the park during the final scene?

If you’re looking for your next comfort-watch rom-com, look no further. Voicemails for Isabelle is already one of my favorite films of 2026 and a movie I know I’ll be revisiting again and again. So grab some dessert nachos and experience the magic of Voicemails for Isabelle.

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