Rom-coms return with “People We Meet on Vacation”

“People We Meet on Vacation,” the movie adapted from the novel by Emily Henry, hit Netflix’s streaming on Jan. 9. 

The movie follows Poppy Wright, portrayed by Emily Bader, a spunky and adventurous travel journalist, and her unlikely relationship with Alex Nilsen, played by Tom Blyth. With both actors highly known in the film realm, Emily for her work in the Amazon Prime series “My Lady Jane,” and the film “Fresh Kills,” and Tom for his work in “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” “Billy the Kid,” and “Wasteman,” this movie was extremely anticipated. It brings a new and exciting revival to romantic comedy, with a tasteful soundtrack and all the yearning a person could need, especially if they are missing shows like “The Summer I Turned Pretty.”  

Poppy and Alex’s story begins as an unlikely travel duo. Both students at Boston College and from the small down of Linfield, Ohio, the pair first vacation together as they make the drive home. Their lifestyles couldn’t be more different. At first, they loathe each other and get stuck overnight in a different city. To pass the time, they talk about their dream vacations, which sets them up for a lifetime of adventure together. 

From there, the movie time jumps often, from the present, when Poppy and Alex are seemingly not on speaking terms, and back in time to their vacations in New Orleans, Squamish, Tuscany, and their almost-vacation to Norway. They may not see each other at all during their normal lives, but on vacation, they return to being best friends. 

Throughout the film, viewers see their relationship grow, although they never date. They travel the world together, and suspense is built as the viewer tries to find out why Poppy and Alex are no longer speaking. 

In the present, Poppy is invited to the extravagant wedding of Alex’s brother in Barcelona, but she is hesitant to attend because she knows Alex will be there.  

Throughout all of the time jumps and snippets of Alex and Poppy’s life, viewers can see their fondness for each other grow, and their struggles as they navigate busy lives, relationships, and of course, vacations together. 

The film features internal struggle, relationship building and beautiful memories, all with a nice vacation view.  

In addition to the beautiful global scenes, the film features a soundtrack that is sure to resonate with many viewers. Songs in the film include “Forever Your Girl” by Paula Abdul, “Genesis” by Grimes, “august” by Taylor Swift, “Cool About It” by Boygenius, “X’s” by Cigarettes after Sex, “L-O-V-E Italian Version” by Nat King Cole, amongst other hits. 

There are some differences between the novel and its screen adaptation, but the premise stays the same. For fans of the novel, I recommend watching and seeing if you can find the little moments that were translated to the screen. And, keep an eye out for an author cameo by Emily Henry.  

If you are looking for a good comfort rom-com, some good songs over film, rainy love confessions or even just vacation inspiration, “People We Meet on Vacation” could be perfect for you.