Movie News
People We Meet on Vacation Review — A Love Story That Feels Too Real
LeftVideo Team •
January 16, 2026
Movie Review: People We Meet on Vacation (2026)
People We Meet on Vacation (2026) is a romantic comedy film adaptation of Emily Henry’s bestselling novel, bringing a warm, travel-filled love story to the screen. Directed by Brett Haley, the movie stars Emily Bader as Poppy and Tom Blyth as Alex, two longtime friends whose yearly vacations slowly blur the line between friendship and romance.
Overview
The story follows Poppy, a lively travel writer, and Alex, a quiet and grounded English teacher. For years, they take one vacation together every summer, visiting different destinations while navigating life, careers, and unresolved feelings. When a falling-out ends their tradition, one final trip forces them to confront what really went wrong — and what they truly mean to each other.
What the Movie Does Well
One of the film’s strongest elements is its cozy, escapist atmosphere. The scenic travel locations add charm and visual appeal, making the movie feel like a relaxing getaway. It’s an easy, comforting watch that fits perfectly into the modern Netflix rom-com category.
The lead performances are gentle and likable. Emily Bader brings warmth and emotional vulnerability to Poppy, while Tom Blyth’s reserved portrayal of Alex balances her energy well. Their chemistry feels natural and relatable, especially for viewers who enjoy slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romances.
The movie also stays fairly faithful to the novel’s core themes — timing, emotional growth, missed chances, and the fear of risking friendship for love. Fans of the book will recognize many familiar emotional beats.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its charm, the film doesn’t fully rise above genre expectations. Critics have noted that the plot feels predictable, following well-worn rom-com tropes without many surprises. While pleasant, the storytelling often plays it safe.
Character depth is another weak point. Some emotional moments feel rushed or underdeveloped, and the supporting characters don’t add much substance to the story. Viewers who loved the emotional nuance of the novel may find the film version slightly shallow by comparison.
The romantic tension is also a point of debate. While some viewers appreciate the subtlety, others feel the chemistry never fully ignites, making parts of the romance feel more like friendship than a sweeping love story.
Overall Verdict
People We Meet on Vacation is a sweet, visually pleasing romantic movie that succeeds as a comfort watch but doesn’t redefine the genre. It’s best enjoyed as a light, feel-good film rather than a deeply emotional romance.
This movie is ideal for fans of Emily Henry’s writing, casual rom-com lovers, and viewers looking for a relaxing, low-stakes love story. However, those expecting intense emotional depth or bold storytelling may feel underwhelmed.
Final Rating: 7/10
A charming and cozy romance that’s easy to enjoy — even if it plays things a little too safe.
People We Meet on Vacation (2026) is a romantic comedy film adaptation of Emily Henry’s bestselling novel, bringing a warm, travel-filled love story to the screen. Directed by Brett Haley, the movie stars Emily Bader as Poppy and Tom Blyth as Alex, two longtime friends whose yearly vacations slowly blur the line between friendship and romance.
Overview
The story follows Poppy, a lively travel writer, and Alex, a quiet and grounded English teacher. For years, they take one vacation together every summer, visiting different destinations while navigating life, careers, and unresolved feelings. When a falling-out ends their tradition, one final trip forces them to confront what really went wrong — and what they truly mean to each other.
What the Movie Does Well
One of the film’s strongest elements is its cozy, escapist atmosphere. The scenic travel locations add charm and visual appeal, making the movie feel like a relaxing getaway. It’s an easy, comforting watch that fits perfectly into the modern Netflix rom-com category.
The lead performances are gentle and likable. Emily Bader brings warmth and emotional vulnerability to Poppy, while Tom Blyth’s reserved portrayal of Alex balances her energy well. Their chemistry feels natural and relatable, especially for viewers who enjoy slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romances.
The movie also stays fairly faithful to the novel’s core themes — timing, emotional growth, missed chances, and the fear of risking friendship for love. Fans of the book will recognize many familiar emotional beats.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its charm, the film doesn’t fully rise above genre expectations. Critics have noted that the plot feels predictable, following well-worn rom-com tropes without many surprises. While pleasant, the storytelling often plays it safe.
Character depth is another weak point. Some emotional moments feel rushed or underdeveloped, and the supporting characters don’t add much substance to the story. Viewers who loved the emotional nuance of the novel may find the film version slightly shallow by comparison.
The romantic tension is also a point of debate. While some viewers appreciate the subtlety, others feel the chemistry never fully ignites, making parts of the romance feel more like friendship than a sweeping love story.
Overall Verdict
People We Meet on Vacation is a sweet, visually pleasing romantic movie that succeeds as a comfort watch but doesn’t redefine the genre. It’s best enjoyed as a light, feel-good film rather than a deeply emotional romance.
This movie is ideal for fans of Emily Henry’s writing, casual rom-com lovers, and viewers looking for a relaxing, low-stakes love story. However, those expecting intense emotional depth or bold storytelling may feel underwhelmed.
Final Rating: 7/10
A charming and cozy romance that’s easy to enjoy — even if it plays things a little too safe.
