One of 2026’s best rom-coms with ‘the next Meg Ryan’ drops on Netflix

Netflix has gifted us a brand-new, shiny rom-com (Picture: Diyah Pera/Netflix) If you’re looking for a comfort watch this weekend – and to shed a theraputic tear or two – then Netflix has you covered with its latest rom-com . Voicemails for Isabelle stars the delightful duo of Zoey Deutch and Love, Simon’s Nick Robinson in a film following chef Jill (Deutch), who copes with her sister Isabelle’s (Ciara Bravo) death by leaving lengthy voicemails, chronicling her chaotic life in San Francisco, on her sibling’s old number. But when Isabelle’s number is unknowingly reassigned to real estate agent Wes, he starts listening to the hilariously confessional messages – and falling for Jill. It’s one of those perfect suspend-your-disbelief rom-com set-up scenarios, where you can rest assured that the guy learning about her life is both handsome and not a creepy stalker. He is also, of course , perfect for Jill. Yes, Voicemails for Isabelle sounds like it shares a fair bit of DNA with You’ve Got Mail (wikingly referenced) and While You Were Sleeping… but they’re genre classics for a reason. Get personalised updates on all things Netflix Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Deutch is also making a real name for herself in this genre thanks to past winning efforts like 2018’s Set It Up (opposite Glen Powell) and 2022’s Something From Tiffany’s (with Kendrick Sampson). Voicemails for Isabelle shares DNA with genre classic You’ve Got Mail (Picture: David Astorga/Netflix) To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page And so much so that she’s been generating comparisons to the rom-com’s true queen Meg Ryan , with T3 claiming she’s ‘one of the few actors who can hold a candle to Ryan’s level of chutzpah’, while a fan on Instagram insisted: ‘If there’s a modern rom-com Mount Rushmore, Zoey Deutch absolutely deserves a spot on it.’ It’s also quite cute that Robinson’s Wes is seen passionately defending Ryan’s frequent co-star Tom Hanks (also in Sleepless in Seattle together) as ‘America’s sweetheart’ before his pals immediately snap back: ‘You are not Tom Hanks!’ There’s been a lot of excitement for Voicemails for Isabelle as well, with Cinemablend predicting it has the ‘potential to be one of the great romantic comedies on the 2026 movie schedule’. Written and directed by Leah McKendrick, it also stars Nick Offerman, Lukas Gage and Glee actor Harry Shum Jr. Our leading lady is Zoey Deutch, who has built an impressive back catalogue of rom-com heroines (Picture: Diyah Pera/Net