Tom Blyth and Emily Bader Share Insights on Key Scenes and ‘When Harry Met Sally’ Comparisons in ‘People We Meet On Vacation’

Romantic Comedy ‘People We Meet on Vacation’ Draws Parallels to Classic Films

SPOILER ALERT: This article includes spoilers for the film People We Meet on Vacation, now streaming on Netflix.

Fans of romantic comedies often see similarities between People We Meet on Vacation, based on Emily Henry’s novel, and the iconic When Harry Met Sally. Both Henry and director Brett Haley acknowledge this connection. Tom Blyth, who stars as Alex Nilsen in the film, noted that the classic starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan served as a valuable reference.

In People We Meet on Vacation, Blyth’s Alex is joined by Emily Bader’s Poppy Wright, two friends who embark on annual summer trips until a rift strains their relationship. A wedding in Barcelona offers a backdrop for their reunion, prompting them to confront the reasons behind their fallout, which lies in the complex transition from friendship to potential romance.

Bader expressed her desire to capture the essence of When Harry Met Sally in their performances. “A goal would be to get anywhere near the feeling of that film,” she stated.

In a recent interview, Blyth and Bader discussed pivotal scenes from their on-screen journey, from their first road trip’s tension to an engaging dance moment.

DEADLINE: Could you talk about filming the road trip scene where your characters can’t stand each other, and then transitioning to them falling in love?

TOM BLYTH: That first major scene is an homage to When Harry Met Sally. The dynamic between the characters embodies the yin and yang; one is grumpy while the other is upbeat. We really leaned into that aspect, supported by the script, which reflects Henry’s appreciation for what many consider the greatest rom-com.

EMILY BADER: I always envisioned Poppy as fascinated by Alex, trying to charm him. It’s a challenge for her, seen in their banter during that first diner scene.

BLYTH: That was one of our last scenes, right?

BADER: Yes, it’s where Poppy realizes there’s much more to him than just being another resident of Linfield, Ohio.

BLYTH: The fun in their relationship begins when Poppy starts to break down Alex’s exterior, allowing the ‘Vacation Alex’ to emerge as he embraces freedom.

Regarding another key moment, the dance scene, Blyth and Bader reflected on the creative process.

DEADLINE: Did you add anything to the choreography?

BLYTH: It was a collaborative effort.

BADER: Indeed. The choreographer, Maya Taylor, understood I was nervous about dancing, an element not originally in the script. Tom contributed significantly to the ideas that shaped the scene.

Dancing Upfront

BLYTH: I usually don’t identify as a dancer, but I enjoyed the experience. Initially, I played it cool, but Brett encouraged me to fully embrace it. That’s when Alex, for the first time, begins to shed his defensive barriers.

BADER: The choreography contains several nods to iconic moments from other films, adding layers to our performance.

BLYTH: Brett, a cinephile, incorporated references into the dance, making it a fun homage to our favorite movies.

Facing the Adaptation Pressure

DEADLINE: How did you feel about being a part of the first Emily Henry adaptation?

BADER: I didn’t grasp the pressure until after filming. The making of the film was freeing and enjoyable.

BLYTH: With my experience on The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, I found young audiences to be incredibly supportive. They genuinely care about staying true to the story while allowing for fresh interpretations.

Both actors voiced appreciation for the community of fans, who they found welcoming during promotional events, easing the pressures associated with book adaptations.

DEADLINE: What about filming the ending running scene, balancing comedy and emotion?

BADER: The day before the running scene, I pulled a quad muscle during cycling. While running, I tried to hide the limp, but it actually worked for Poppy’s character, as she isn’t a strong runner.

BLYTH: Although I’m not a runner, this experience developed my understanding of Alex. It was my way into the character, leading me to enjoy running during the filming process.

BADER: I was definitely out of breath.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.