Netflix kicked off 2026 with a sun-soaked escape that has viewers swooning, laughing, and hitting replay: the long-awaited film adaptation of Emily Henry’s beloved 2021 bestseller People We Meet on Vacation. Directed by Brett Haley and premiering on January 9, 2026, the romantic comedy arrived quietly but quickly dominated the platform’s charts, becoming one of the most-watched titles almost immediately. Starring Emily Bader as the free-spirited Poppy Wright and Tom Blyth as the routine-loving Alex Nilsen, the movie captures the essence of a decade-long friendship that slowly, inevitably blossoms into something more.
The story follows Poppy, a vibrant New York City-based travel writer who craves adventure, and Alex, a more reserved English teacher who prefers cozy nights with a good book. Despite their differences, the two become best friends after a disastrous college road trip meet-cute—where Poppy spills burrito everywhere and Alex’s uptight nature clashes with her chaos. From that awkward beginning, they strike a pact: every summer, no matter where life takes them, they spend one week vacationing together. Over the years, these trips become the highlight of their lives, filled with laughter, mishaps, and deepening connection—until a fight leaves them estranged for two years.
The film unfolds in a nonlinear fashion, jumping between past vacations (from Palm Springs to New Orleans, Tuscany, and beyond) and the present, where Poppy attends Alex’s brother’s wedding in Barcelona, hoping to mend their fractured bond. As old memories resurface, the question that has simmered beneath their friendship for a decade finally boils over: Can two people of opposite temperaments ever truly be just friends, or has it always been more?
What truly sets the movie apart—and has fans completely losing it—is the electric chemistry between Bader and Blyth. Every look lingers, every awkward laugh lands with perfect timing, and the tension builds in a way that feels both natural and intoxicating. Bader, best known for her role in My Lady Jane, brings Poppy to life with infectious energy, vulnerability, and a touch of wistfulness that makes her more than just the “fun” friend. Blyth, fresh off his breakout as Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, infuses Alex with quiet depth—his stoic exterior cracking to reveal humor, tenderness, and a hidden “Vacation Alex” who dances, sings karaoke, and lets loose only when Poppy is around.
One scene in particular has sparked an explosion of online obsession: the moment Poppy and Alex finally confront their feelings in Barcelona. After years of near-misses, misunderstandings, and suppressed longing, they share a charged, rain-soaked kiss (or a passionate balcony embrace in some fan discussions) that feels earned and explosive. Viewers are replaying it endlessly, with social media flooded by clips, memes, and declarations that “romcoms are back.” Fans describe it as the payoff they’ve waited for, with lines like “You’re not a vacation to me, Alex. You’re home” hitting harder on screen than on the page. The dance sequence—complete with Blyth doing the worm to Paula Abdul’s “Forever Your Girl”—adds joyful absurdity, while quieter moments, like their road-trip burrito disaster or skinny-dipping mishap, capture the messy joy of their dynamic.
The supporting cast adds warmth and humor: Sarah Catherine Hook as Alex’s fiancée, Lucien Laviscount in a charismatic role, Miles Heizer, Jameela Jamil, Tommy Do, Lukas Gage, Alan Ruck, and Molly Shannon as Poppy’s parents. Author Emily Henry makes a fun cameo, and the film nods to her universe with subtle Easter eggs. Production values shine with vibrant cinematography capturing sun-drenched beaches, bustling cities, and intimate hotel rooms, while the soundtrack amplifies the nostalgic, feel-good vibe.
Critics praise the adaptation for staying true to the book’s spirit while making smart changes for the screen—such as relocating some trips or toning down certain intimate scenes to maintain a balanced tone. The movie leans into classic rom-com tropes (think When Harry Met Sally meets modern travel escapism) but grounds them in genuine emotional stakes: grief, fear of commitment, and the terror of risking a perfect friendship for something more. Some note a rushed third act or condensed plot points, but the overwhelming response highlights the leads’ chemistry as the saving grace, making even familiar beats feel fresh.
Fans are declaring it a triumph for the genre, with many calling it “the best romcom of the century” and praising how it challenges the age-old question: Can men and women ever truly be just friends, or was it never platonic to begin with? The film’s quiet pull draws you in, then hits you with heartfelt truths about love, growth, and finding home in another person.
With Netflix already greenlighting more Henry adaptations (Happy Place and Funny Story), People We Meet on Vacation marks the start of a cinematic universe that celebrates romance with wit, heart, and undeniable spark. Pack your bags—this one’s a vacation worth taking.
