What began as a bestselling novel, “People We Meet on Vacation,” made its transition to the screen with its Netflix release on Jan. 9, 2026. Since its debut, the film has become one of Netflix’s most talked-about romantic comedies, trending across multiple platforms and generating widespread social media buzz, with millions of shares online. (Penguin Random House)
The movie follows longtime friends Poppy and Alex, whose relationship has been shaped over a decade of shared summer vacations. Poppy is a free-spirited travel writer who believes life is best lived in motion, while Alex prefers stability and routine. When years of friendship and unspoken feelings collide during a trip to Barcelona, the two are forced to confront what they truly mean to each other. The story moves between past trips and present-day moments, balancing humor, romance and introspection as they navigate love, timing and vulnerability.
Emily Bader stars as Poppy, and Tom Blyth portrays Alex. Bader brings warmth, energy and spontaneity to the role, anchoring the film’s most heartfelt moments, while Blyth’s grounded performance provides a believable counterbalance that keeps their dynamic engaging. (Netflix)
My Opinion
Initially, when I first turned on the movie, I gave it about 10 minutes and decided it wasn’t interesting. After giving the film a second chance, I put it back on. As a viewer who has now seen the movie twice, it’s hard to find major flaws that would justify a bad rating.
The beginning may feel slow, but it ironically mirrors Poppy and Alex’s relationship. The narrative doesn’t rush their connection. Instead, it allows it to unfold naturally, reflecting how real friendships evolve over time. What might seem like a quiet introduction ends up laying strong emotional groundwork for what follows.
The film avoids corny twists and overblown romantic tropes, choosing instead to let small moments carry weight — a shared laugh, a lingering look, a pause that says more than dialogue ever could. People We Meet on Vacation serves as a reminder that love stories don’t need grand declarations to feel meaningful. They need honesty, chemistry and the courage to step beyond comfort zones.
“I loved it, I think it was such a breath of fresh air in the rom-com genre and the main characters were cast by such good actors.” Presley Parry (11) says, “I loved Poppy’s character and her aptitude to always stay true to herself and be fun.”
The Message
For young girls who relate to Poppy’s character, the film offers an important lesson: you are never “too much” for the right person, and authenticity will never push away someone who truly cares. Meaningful relationships take time, patience and understanding — all of which play a crucial role in Poppy and Alex’s journey.
By grounding its romance in genuine character development and pairing it with beautiful locations and a heartfelt script, the film earns its place among modern rom-com favorites. Whether viewers watch for the laughs, the emotional moments or the reminder that connection rarely follows a straight line, People We Meet on Vacation delivers.