If you’re like me, always chasing that perfect beach read turned screen gem, then Netflix’s People We Meet on Vacation (directed by Brett Haley) might have popped up on your queue back in January. Released on January 9, 2026, this adaptation of Emily Henry’s beloved novel stars Emily Bader as the free-spirited Poppy and Tom Blyth as the routine-loving Alex. It’s a friends-to-lovers tale that’s equal parts sunny escapism and heartfelt drama, but does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in, spoiler-free at first, then we’ll unpack the reviews and what makes it tick (or stumble).
The story follows Poppy and Alex, who’ve been best friends for a decade despite living in different cities. Every summer, they reunite for a vacation—think Croatia, New Orleans, and more exotic locales. But after a rift, Poppy proposes one last trip to Palm Springs to mend things, forcing them to confront unspoken feelings. It’s classic rom-com fare: opposites attract, miscommunications abound, and there’s plenty of witty banter. Clocking in at about 118 minutes, the film zips through flashbacks of their past trips, blending humor with tender moments. Visually, it’s a treat—vibrant cinematography captures the wanderlust vibe, making you want to book a flight ASAP.
Critically, it’s earned a solid 76% on Rotten Tomatoes from 66 reviews, with a consensus praising the “breezy adaptation” and “charming leads.” Roger Ebert’s site gave it a mixed 2.5 stars, calling it “vapid” and criticizing the lack of depth in reviving the rom-com genre. The New York Times echoed this, labeling it “occasionally cute but instantly forgettable,” noting the rushed ending and vague character details. On the positive side, Keith & the Movies highlighted the “sparkling chemistry” between Bader and Blyth, making it an “unexpected delight” despite not reaching rom-com heights. AV Club was harsher, giving it a C- for feeling like “tap water” instead of a tropical cocktail.
Audience reactions are more forgiving, with an IMDb rating of 6.6/10 from over 37K votes and Letterboxd users calling it “adorable” with themes of love and self-reflection. Netflix Tudum hyped it as a mix of One Day and Normal People, and fan comments on the trailer (over 2.5 million views on YouTube) show excitement, with one user joking about being “too seated” for the theater employees. Decider advised streaming it for its predictability but skipped on substance. Overall, it’s a feel-good watch for rom-com fans, but book lovers might gripe about cut scenes and pacing issues.
In my analysis, this film shines in its character dynamics—Bader’s Poppy is effervescent, contrasting Blyth’s grounded Alex perfectly. The soundtrack and locations add escapism, especially post-pandemic. However, it falls into trope traps: the slow-burn romance feels formulaic, and the resolution rushes emotional beats. Compared to Henry’s other adaptations, it’s pleasant but not groundbreaking. Box office-wise, as a Netflix original, it’s hard to gauge, but viewership metrics suggest it’s a hit among subscribers. If you’re in for light-hearted vibes, stream it; if you want depth, revisit the book. What’s your take—team Poppy or Alex? Drop comments below!
