DON’T LOG OFF NETFLIX AFTER “VOICEMAILS FOR ISABELLE”: YOU’VE BEEN MISSING THE TRUE ROM-COM MASTERPIECE OF THE DECADE!
In recent days, the Netflix landscape has been electrified by the viral sensation Voicemails for Isabelle. Premiering just last Friday (June 19), the film has already climbed to the top of the global charts, captivating viewers with its poignant narrative. The film follows Jill (Zoey Deutch), a young woman grappling with the sudden loss of her sister, Isabelle, who finds herself inadvertently connecting with a stranger named Wes (Nick Robinson) through a series of voicemails left on a repurposed phone number. While it has successfully tugged at the heartstrings of millions, as the emotional wave of Voicemails for Isabelle begins to settle, a pressing question arises: where should one turn for the next romantic fix?
The answer lies not in new releases, but in Set it Up (2018)—a project that also features the stellar Zoey Deutch but arguably possesses a level of staying power and cinematic craft that far surpasses the current chart-topper.
The 84% vs. 92% Divide: Why the “Veteran” Still Wears the Crown
While Voicemails for Isabelle boasts an impressive 84% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Set it Up stands as a titan with a remarkable 92% critics’ score. If Voicemails for Isabelle leans into psychological depth and the catharsis of grief, Set it Up stands as the definitive blueprint for the modern romantic comedy: sharp, witty, and deeply empathetic.
The premise of Set it Up tracks Harper (Zoey Deutch) and Charlie (Glen Powell), two overworked assistants pushed to their breaking points by their demanding bosses (played by Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs). Desperate for relief, they orchestrate a bold scheme: play matchmaker for their superiors, hoping that a workplace romance will distract the bosses and finally free them from their grueling schedules. Naturally, as the golden rule of the rom-com dictates, the more meticulously they plan, the more chaotic their own unintended connection becomes.
Why “Set it Up” Remains the “Forgotten Masterpiece”
Despite featuring a powerhouse cast, Set it Up often feels like a hidden gem frequently overlooked in the endless scroll of today’s streaming libraries. However, for those who experienced it during its 2018 debut, it remains a rare work that avoids the saccharine tropes or hollow formulas of mass-produced streaming rom-coms.
Writing on IMDb, one admirer captured the sentiment perfectly: “Nah bc this is the best romcom in the past 10 years. A completely underrated romcom with perfect casting and so much heart. It’s not as cheesy or cringey as the typical (especially Netflix original) rom com. They don’t make them like this anymore unfortunately.”
The film’s magnetism isn’t just in the script; it lies in the electric chemistry between Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell. Another fan shared on Rotten Tomatoes: “It’s a perfect emotional partnership that hits all the right notes. Brilliantly wholesome, with everything feeling just right, from LOL moments to the touching, relatable depth. A total feel-good escape that sticks with you long after.”
Personal Perspective: The Resurrection of a Genre
In an era where romantic cinema is often criticized for its “fast-food” formulas, Set it Up serves as a testament that the genre still holds immense potential when treated with sincerity. When a fan on Letterboxd wrote: “I’m just a girl… standing in front of a screen.. begging for Netflix to make more romcoms like this,” it highlighted a genuine hunger among audiences for quality storytelling.
Set it Up does not strive to be a philosophical masterpiece; it is, quite simply, the perfect emotional tonic—a flawless escapist experience. If Voicemails for Isabelle is the low note that helps you confront your grief, then Set it Up is the high note that helps you rediscover your joy. Do not let this film be buried under the deluge of daily content, for it truly remains the benchmark for the definitive romantic comedy of the past decade.
SOURCE: HELLO MAGAZINE
