Healing and grief look different for everyone. These are heavy emotions that everyone processes in their own way and on their own timeline. In Voicemails for Isabelle, Jill has her own unique way of grieving the loss of her sister. While she often appears to be coping well on the surface, there are moments throughout the film when her grief resurfaces unexpectedly. Whether it is breaking down on a park bench, spiraling after losing Isabelle’s voicemails, or finally feeling closure in the final scene, Jill’s experience reminds us that healing is rarely a linear process.
Why Letting Yourself Feel Grief Is Important
When people think of grief, they often think of the five stages—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Many assume these stages happen in a specific order and that once they reach acceptance, they will simply feel better. In reality, grief is rarely that predictable. Healing is not linear, and everyone’s experience with grief is different.
Grief is not a sign of weakness but a natural and healthy response to loss. It affects both the mind and the body, which is why emotional and physical symptoms often occur together. Feelings of sadness, confusion, anger, or irritability often come with changes in appetite, trouble sleeping, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating. While these reactions can feel overwhelming, they are a normal part of the grieving process.
Rather than suppressing your emotions or trying to move on too quickly, allowing yourself to acknowledge and process them can support healthier healing. Some days, you may feel like you are making progress, while other days, a memory, voicemail, or song may bring those emotions back all at once. That does not mean you are regressing in your grieving process. Allowing yourself to process your grief now can prevent unresolved emotions from affecting your mental and physical health in the future.
There Is No Correct Way to Grieve
Whether it’s through journaling, listening to music, talking to loved ones, or going to therapy, coping with loss looks different for everyone. There is no right way to grieve, and comparing your process to others can do more harm than good.
In “Voicemails for Isabelle”, Jill grieves by leaving voicemails on Izzy’s old phone number. This is Jill’s way of remaining connected with her sister while learning to live without her. As Breeda says in the film, “She’s healing. This is her way of healing.” This theme of recognizing that healing doesn’t have to make sense to everyone is such an important reminder to give yourself grace throughout the grieving process.
The Nonlinear Side of Healing
Although Jill often appears to be coping well without Izzy, several moments reveal just how unpredictable grief can be. After leaving dozens of lighthearted voicemails for her sister throughout the film, her grief suddenly surfaces while she is sitting on a park bench. As she leaves another voicemail, she quietly asks, “How am I supposed to do this without you? We were supposed to die together.” Even after periods of laughter and progress, grief can return unexpectedly.
Another powerful moment comes when Jill resets her phone and loses every voicemail from Isabelle. In difficult moments and before going to bed, Jill often listened to her sister’s voice for support and comfort. Losing these voicemails becomes a breaking point for Jill, and we see her break down over losing something so meaningful to her. Rather than viewing this as a failure in Jill’s healing, this moment shows just how unpredictable grief can be.
Honoring Loved Ones Through Traditions
Keeping loved ones present through everyday traditions can be a meaningful way to honor their memory. Healing does not always mean letting go of someone. Sometimes, it means finding new ways to carry them with you. Throughout the film, Jill keeps Isabelle’s memory alive in small but significant ways.
Jill and Izzy’s dance to “Dancing on My Own” by Robyn is one way that Jill honors Izzy’s memory. Whenever Jill hears the song, she is reminded of her sister. In the film’s final voicemail, Jill dances to it, symbolizing her newfound sense of peace while continuing to honor Izzy’s memory.
Jill continues the tradition of calling Izzy to share funny stories, dating disasters, and work gossip, just as they did when they were younger. Even though Izzy can no longer answer, this familiarity allows Jill to feel connected to her. Jill also honors her sister by naming her food truck “Jill & Izzy’s.” Between dessert tacos, pistachios being “the fruit of the gods,” and countless shared memories, these small traditions become reminders that love does not disappear after loss. Instead, they represent Jill’s healthy and meaningful way of healing.
THERAPY SERVICES WE OFFER IN MANHATTAN & BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
It’s important to remember that healing and moving forward do not mean forgetting someone. You don’t have to let go of people and memories to heal; rather, honor their memory and keep them present in the little things you do. At Manhattan Wellness, we understand the importance and the process of grief. We want you to learn how to heal in a way that is safe, healthy, and best for you. Through our safe space for growth and rejuvenation, you can be your best self. We believe you have the power to make the changes to better your mental health, and we are here to help. Take control of your life and make a difference.
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At Manhattan Wellness, our therapists are here to support you in navigating this journey and finding the excitement in your life. This is why we offer a variety of services to ensure you get the support, care, and guidance necessary. The therapy services we offer are Depression Therapy, Anxiety Therapy, therapy for college students, and more. Are you feeling as if you are not living the life you deserve? Let’s talk about it.
