Netflix has released a new romantic comedy that aims straight for the heart, offering viewers a comforting escape into the world of travel and slow-burning love. 'People We Meet on Vacation', which began streaming on January 9, 2026, is a direct adaptation of Emily Henry's popular novel of the same name. Directed by Brett Haley, the film presents a polished, if familiar, take on the friends-to-lovers trope, earning a steady 3.0 rating from both critics and users on its platform.
A Journey of Friendship and Missed Chances
The story revolves around the central duo of Alex (Tom Blyth) and Poppy (Emily Bader). What begins as a disastrous first meeting in college inexplicably turns into a deep, enduring friendship. The foundation of their bond is built on a series of annual summer trips, which become the emotional backbone of their relationship. The film takes audiences on a visual tour from the scenic landscapes of Canada and Tuscany to the vibrant streets of New Orleans and Barcelona.
These vacations are not just holidays; they serve as checkpoints, meticulously charting the gradual evolution of a connection that perpetually teeters between platonic intimacy and unspoken romantic desire. The narrative employs a framing device, starting with an awkward reunion between Alex and Poppy after a mysterious falling-out. This clever structure provides the film's central tension, constantly teasing the audience with questions about what went wrong and whether their fractured bond can ever be repaired.
Strengths and Shortcomings of the Adaptation
Director Brett Haley successfully translates the novel's strong sense of wanderlust to the screen. The film is filled with postcard-ready visuals that make every destination feel aspirational, effectively using the sense of physical movement to mirror the characters' internal emotional drift. The screenplay, written by Yulin Kuang with contributions from Amos Vernon and Nunzio Randazzo, remains largely faithful to the source material's core dynamic.
However, this fidelity comes with certain trade-offs. With a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes, the film's pacing occasionally sags, particularly in its middle sections where the emotional beats can start to feel repetitive. Furthermore, the supporting cast, which includes recognizable faces like Sarah Catherine Hook, Lucien Laviscount, Miles Heizer, and Alan Ruck, is given surprisingly little to do. While Molly Shannon and Alan Ruck make a brief, amusing impression as Poppy's parents, most other characters feel thinly sketched, serving more as narrative tools than fully realized people, which leaves the world around Alex and Poppy feeling somewhat sparse.
Chemistry That Carries the Film
The undeniable saving grace of 'People We Meet on Vacation' is the compelling chemistry between its two leads. Emily Bader embodies Poppy's effervescent, restless, and emotionally transparent spirit with ease. Conversely, Tom Blyth plays Alex as deliberately reserved and thoughtful, creating a perfect counterbalance. Their differences spark witty banter and a simmering tension that feels authentic. This dynamic is particularly electric during the New Orleans sequences, where the film briefly manages to transcend its familiar formula.
Make no mistake, this is a romantic comedy assembled from well-known parts—expect rain-soaked moments of clarity, strategically placed pop-song needle drops, and grand, heartfelt declarations. Yet, its predictability is arguably part of its charm. Like returning to a favourite holiday spot, the film offers comfort and a guaranteed emotional payoff. It does not seek to reinvent the genre but succeeds as a breezy romantic fantasy powered by genuinely likable performances.
In summary, 'People We Meet on Vacation' is a pleasant, easy-to-enjoy film that proves hard to resent. It delivers exactly what it promises: a scenic, charming exploration of love, timing, and the journeys that bring people together, making it a perfect watch for fans of the genre seeking a reliable and heartwarming escape on Netflix.
