A Heartfelt Review of ‘People We Meet on Vacation’: Why the Journey Matters in This Emily Henry Adaptation
In the midst of winter’s chill and the post-holiday blues, the collaboration between Sony, Temple Hill, and Netflix offers a warm escape with the adaptation of Emily Henry’s novel People We Meet on Vacation. This romantic comedy promises to capture the imaginations of audiences seeking a break from the routine.
The film stars Emily Bader and Tom Blyth as Poppy Wright and Alex Nilsen, a mismatched pair whose relationship evolves from a rocky carpool ride to a deeply connected friendship. Their initial encounter is marked by tension, setting a backdrop that raises questions about how they might reconcile their differences.
Bader’s portrayal of the somewhat chaotic Poppy is both charming and relatable, while Blyth adeptly embodies the structured Alex, whose routine-oriented nature softens under Poppy’s influence. Their dynamic lays a solid foundation for what could easily be perceived as an improbable romance. Bader’s expressive performance, combined with Blyth’s nuanced portrayal, brings depth to their characters, making their chemistry palpable.
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The narrative unfolds through a dual timeline, alternating between the present—Alex’s brother David’s (Miles Heizer) wedding in Barcelona—and past summer excursions to destinations like Squamish, BC, and New Orleans. Flashbacks provide context for a significant fallout between Poppy and Alex, which looms as they arrive in Spain.
Poppy’s adventurous spirit paired with Alex’s willingness to embrace spontaneity leads them to whimsical situations, such as accepting a water-taxi ride from Buck (Lukas Gage) and pretending to be engaged to obtain complimentary beignets. The lively dance scene—choreographed by Maya Taylor—captures the essence of Henry’s novel and the chemistry between Poppy and Alex, who navigate between deep friendship and the potential for something more.
Some viewers, particularly those familiar with the book, may find the back-and-forth dynamic and timeline shifts a bit drawn out, as they explore the miscommunication between Poppy and Alex. However, the screenplay effectively distills their relationship with refreshing dialogue, especially during the pivotal wedding day scenes, where the couple exchanges their distinct approaches—improvisation versus careful planning—reflecting their growth.
Emily Bader as Poppy and Tom Blyth as Alex in ‘People We Meet on Vacation’
Michele K. Short/Netflix
The humor integral to Henry’s novel is effectively captured in the film, although some of the book’s iconic lines, such as “It speaks to me” and “Do I have slow loris hands?” are omitted. Key scenes, including a lighthearted diner conversation, allow Bader and Blyth to showcase their talents. The strong ensemble cast enhances the film, with notable contributions from Gage as the laid-back water taxi driver and Molly Shannon and Alan Ruck as Poppy’s parents.
Director Brett Haley infuses vibrant visuals into the film, similar to his work on Jennifer Niven’s All the Bright Places. In contrast, People We Meet on Vacation features a lighter tone, steering away from the more serious themes of mental health present in the previous adaptation.
As the first of Henry’s novels to be adapted for the screen, People We Meet on Vacation sets a high standard for future projects in the pipeline, excelling in visual storytelling, sound design, and assembled talent. Selections from the film’s soundtrack, such as Robyn’s “Hang With Me,” amplify key moments, leading some to wish for a theatrical release that caters to both book fans and moviegoers.
Title: People We Meet on Vacation
Distributor: Netflix
Release date: January 9, 2026 (streaming)
Director: Brett Haley
Screenwriters: Yulin Kuang, Amos Vernon & Nunzio Randazzo
Cast: Emily Bader, Tom Blyth, Lucien Laviscount, Sarah Catherine Hook, Lukas Gage, Molly Shannon, Alan Ruck, Miles Heizer, Tommy Do, Alice Lee
Rating: PG-13
Running time: 1 hr 57 mins
