The story presented in the book “People We Meet on Vacation” by Emily Henry, and now adapted to the screen by Netflix, almost immediately brings to mind the classics of the romantic comedy genre. We saw many years of friendship in my beloved “When Harry Met Sally”, and annual meetings in “One Day”. So let’s not expect a breakthrough from the latest production of the streaming giant, which does not avoid certain patterns. Regardless, it’s a very enjoyable and light romance, with mesmerizing chemistry between the main characters and a great soundtrack.
Poppy (Emily Bader) and Alex (Tom Blyth), although they have been friends for ten years, they did not immediately like each other. Poppy seems too scatterbrained and chaotic for the calm, orderly Alex. However, coincidence brings them together through their common experiences. From then on, they spend every holiday together, but only as platonic friends.
Over time, Poppy and Alex build their own lives in different cities, with different partners. Despite this, they do not give up their annual holiday meetings. These few days become their unchanging tradition. During one vacation, however, something goes wrong. They observe how different they are from each other and how unclear the feelings that connect them are. Eventually they break off contact. Two years later, they meet at a wedding. This is the moment when they will have to answer all the questions that have been bothering them for a long time.
One producer compared Emily Bader to a “modern-day Meg Ryan”, emphasizing her charm, comedic timing and intelligent humor. This association, however, is not limited only to the above-mentioned classic “When Harry Met Sally”. Bader, known from the series “My Lady Jane”, is a truly excellent actress with enormous charisma. At times he even outshines the star of “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Birds and Snakes”, Tom Blyth. On the screen, they form a duo from which it is impossible to look away, and the chemistry is palpable in almost every shot. So much so that you sometimes want to shout at the screen: “Why aren’t you two together?!”
The strength of the film “People We Meet on Vacation” is also its beautiful locations. The story takes place against the backdrop of picturesque holiday sceneries that play a key role in the plot. The whole thing is complemented by an energetic soundtrack, in which you can hear, among others: Robyn’s hit “Hang With Me” and a new version of “Stumblin’ In”.
In terms of plot, the film fails at a crucial moment. The first two acts are a truly engaging story about two people, a bit lost in their feelings, who have real sympathy and respect for each other. All this sounds extremely authentic. Problems appear in the third act, which determines the final reception of the story. The film then falls into the trap of the genre and repeats well-known patterns – the indecision of one of the people, the question whether the characters will overcome adversities to be together. Unfortunately, there is no space here to reflect on whether male-female friendship actually exists, which leaves us quite unsatisfied, because the topic was very open to such considerations.
“People We Meet on Vacation” is ultimately an enjoyable and non-silly rom-com. A light story, charismatic characters, a cool holiday background and an excellent soundtrack. Despite the painfully cliche ending, the Netflix novelty is definitely worth watching.
7/10
“People We Meet on Vacation”, dir. Brett Haley, USA. Netflix premiere date: January 9, 2026
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