If you loved the emotional romance of One Day but want something a little lighter, check out People We Meet on Vacation, now streaming on Netflix. It’s a feel-good rom-com that offers a sweet escape.
The movie People We Meet on Vacation, based on the novel by Emily Henry, features Emily Bader as Poppy Wright and Tom Blyth as Alex Nilsen. Poppy and Alex become friends in college, but they have very different personalities: Poppy loves to travel, while Alex prefers staying put in their hometown of Linfield, Ohio.
Okay, so this movie is about two friends and how their bond grows over time. They both have their struggles, but they make this deal to take a week-long vacation together every year where they can just be their best, most relaxed selves. But then something goes wrong on a trip to Tuscany and they stop talking. It’s not until Alex’s brother gets married that they finally reconnect, and the movie follows what happens next.
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The central conflict revolves around the classic question of whether men and women can genuinely be just friends. While Poppy and Alex appear to have a platonic connection, experienced viewers suspect something more is going on.
The story isn’t really about if these characters will end up together – we generally expect they will, and that’s part of the enjoyment. Instead, it focuses on the personal journeys and changes each character needs to make before they can actually be together.
Shows like One Day (or the original, When Harry Met Sally) feature well-developed, complex characters. People We Meet on Vacation doesn’t quite reach that same level, prioritizing explaining the backstory of why Poppy avoids settling down over showing her character develop naturally.
Despite some awkward scenes, the movie is saved by its strong performances, particularly from Bader. She makes even the cheesiest lines, like “when you’re with the person you love, you’re always home,” and silly physical comedy – such as throwing a burrito – believable with her genuine and heartfelt delivery.
Blyth has a difficult role as the supportive best friend who is obviously in love with Poppy, even though he’s also in a complicated relationship with Sarah (who doesn’t get enough screen time). He skillfully portrays Alex as heartbroken, yet somewhat unwilling to admit his true feelings.
Alan Ruck and Molly Shannon are hilarious as Poppy’s parents, and they almost feel like they’re in a completely different, more comedic movie – something along the lines of a Paul Feig or Todd Phillips film.
Viewers might recognize Lucien Laviscount from Emily in Paris, Miles Heizer from 13 Reasons Why, Lukas Gage from You, and Jameela Jamil. However, it feels like these actors were chosen more for their familiar faces than for the depth they brought to their characters. Their roles mostly existed to highlight the main couple, and they weren’t developed as fully realized individuals.
The movie avoids judging its characters, but this ends up feeling weak rather than compassionate. While it hints at conflict, these moments don’t feel grounded in reality. This isn’t necessarily a flaw – romantic comedies are meant to be a light escape – but the movie’s world needs to feel more believable. The complete absence of real-world pressures and expectations is too noticeable and detracts from the story.
Similar to One Day, the way People We Meet on Vacation jumps between different points in time effectively shows the developing connection between Poppy and Alex, though it doesn’t feel quite as profound as the relationship in One Day.
This show doesn’t offer deep emotional release, it’s more about pure escapism. It has a similar vibe to Sex and the City – you find yourself questioning how the main character, Poppy, can afford such a lavish New York City apartment while working as a journalist, even one who covers luxury travel.
However, People We Meet on Vacation is different from One Day. Emily Henry intentionally wrote her book as a fun, lighthearted romance, unlike David Nicholls’ more literary style. Therefore, it’s not really a fair comparison to judge them by the same standards, even though they appeal to many of the same readers.
Okay, so People We Meet on Vacation isn’t just fluff – there’s actually some real tension! Poppy and Alex are seriously different people. She loves to travel and he’s a total homebody. As Alex points out, it wasn’t like they didn’t like each other, it just wasn’t working. It reminded me of another rom-com quote – someone had to change for them to actually have a chance!
This movie isn’t overly dramatic or intensely romantic, but it will leave you feeling good. It’s a pleasant escape into a world where love, despite its difficulties, ultimately works out, and is set against a backdrop of lovely scenery and characters.
People We Meet on Vacation is available to watch now on Netflix.
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2026-01-09 11:20