Netflix’s new romantic fim Voicemails for Isabelle was inspired by writer-director Leah McKendrick’s relationship with her sister and a chance moment at a comedy show.

The film, which is now streaming on Netflix, stars Zoey Deutch as Jill, an aspiring baker grieving the loss of her younger sister Isabelle.

To cope with her grief, Jill continues leaving voicemails on Isabelle’s old phone number, unaware that it has been reassigned to a man named Wes, played by Nick Robinson. As he listens to her messages, he becomes drawn to her personality and eventually seeks her out.

Speaking to People, McKendrick revealed that the idea originated more than seven years ago after attending a comedy showcase.

One comedian joked about receiving lengthy voicemails from her father, while another responded by saying, “It’s so nice that your dad calls you. My dad hasn’t called me in three years.” She then added, “He’s dead.”

The exchange prompted McKendrick to reflect on her own family relationships. “And then I thought if my sister died, I’d be waiting for her to call me back. And then I thought, no, if my sister died, I would just keep calling her.”

The filmmaker said the concept became even more personal after her sister moved away to university, leading her to leave frequent and often emotional voice messages.

“I would just let it all hang out,” McKendrick said. “And what a horror story it could be if somebody were to ever hear my most unfiltered self. But you would know that if somebody fell in love with that unfiltered self, it would be real.”

McKendrick also described the film as a tribute to her sister and the importance of family bonds. “I think if you’ve experienced true love through family, you don’t settle when you’re searching for it in romantic love because you know what it feels like,” she said.

Voicemails for Isabelle is currently available to stream on Netflix.