Voicemails for Isabelle

What’s it about?

A young woman copes with her sister’s death by leaving her voicemails about her chaotic life in San Francisco. When the number is reassigned, a Texas real estate agent begins receiving the confessional messages.

The facts 

• Written and directed by Leah McKendrick
• Starring Zoey Deutch (Nouvelle Vague), Nick Robinson (Love, Simon), Harry Shum Jr (Glee), Lukas Gage (The White Lotus), and Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation).
• English language 
• Runtime: 118 minutes

Why did it get this rating? 

This film was self-rated by Netflix. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

Sex scenes and sexual references

There are a few scenes of sexual activity that show characters moving beneath blankets and making groaning and climaxing sounds.

There is frequent reference to sexual activity, including oral sex and masturbation.

Comedic sex scenes cut between two couples, contrasting an awkward, unenthusiastic encounter with a more energetic, playful one. Mild BDSM-style behaviour, including brief choking, is presented in a light-hearted, humorous context.

Violence

Child characters get into a fistfight where they push each other over in the playground.

Offensive language

There is occasional use of offensive language, including “sh*t” and “f*ck”, especially when characters are stressed or excited.

Grief and illness

A young woman is depicted with a terminal illness throughout her childhood. She dies in her twenties. While the death itself happens off screen, there is a sad scene of intense grief in a hospital.

The film deals with the grief of her sister, who leaves voicemails for her as a way of coping with the loss.

When content stays with you 

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.  

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information 

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?