Netflix's "Voicemails for Isabelle" Brings San Francisco Director Home to Film Rom-Com With Surprise Cast Appearance

Netflix's "Voicemails for Isabelle" centers on a pastry chef who copes with her sister's death by leaving voicemails on the late sibling's phone number—only to discover the line has been reassigned to a real estate agent who becomes drawn to her. Director Leah McKendrick, who grew up in San Francisco's Inner Richmond neighborhood, intentionally wove the city's landscape throughout the film, with stars Zoey Deutch and Nick Robinson making a surprise appearance at a fan screening on June 18.

Plot and Cast

The narrative follows Jill, portrayed by Deutch, an aspiring pastry chef navigating loss and the San Francisco dating landscape. After her sister Isabelle dies, Jill begins leaving personal voicemails on what she believes is still Isabelle's phone number. Unknown to Jill, the number has been reassigned to Wes, a real estate agent played by Robinson. After listening to Jill's raw, unfiltered messages, Wes searches her out, leading to an unexpected meeting on a bench overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge—a location McKendrick selected specifically for its symbolic significance.

Director's Vision and Location Filming

McKendrick, who attended Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood, deliberately shaped the film to reflect San Francisco's cultural diversity and role in her creative development. She spent her childhood surrounded by immigrant communities and LGBTQ members, an experience she wanted to capture in the film's atmosphere and character portrayal. Production took place primarily in Vancouver, but McKendrick managed three days of filming across San Francisco's most recognizable locations: Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, Lombard Street, the Haight, Ghirardelli Square, Chinatown, and the Palace of Fine Arts. Her parents and sister appeared as extras on a tour bus in sequences filmed blocks from her childhood home.

The film's soundtrack features "San Francisco Blues" by Peggy Lee and a rendition of Journey's "Lights," reinforcing the city's presence as more than a backdrop. Visual elements include Pier 39 and its sea lions, cable cars, the Golden Gate Bridge, and a San Francisco Giants baseball cap—details McKendrick incorporated to authentically represent the city through Jill's perspective as she gradually develops affection for her surroundings.

Surprise Screening and Fan Engagement

Deutch and Robinson arrived unannounced at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema New Mission on June 18, delighting attendees hours before the official Netflix premiere. Deutch told the packed audience that San Francisco itself deserved recognition as "the real star of the movie." San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie attended the event, and attendee Katherine Robinson noted how rewarding it was to see beloved city locations featured prominently in the film.