Netflix’s latest romantic comedy, People We Meet on Vacation, has quietly become a global sensation since its release on January 9, 2026. The film, an adaptation of Emily Henry’s beloved 2021 novel of the same name, has surpassed 17 million views in its opening weekend alone, topping the platform’s English-language charts and sparking widespread conversations about heartfelt, character-driven romance in an era often dominated by high-stakes action or superficial fluff.

At its core, the story follows two longtime best friends: Poppy, a vibrant, free-spirited travel journalist who thrives on spontaneity and adventure, and Alex, a more reserved, plan-oriented high school teacher who prefers quiet evenings with a good book. They met as college students sharing a ride home, and despite living in different cities—Poppy in New York, Alex in their small Ohio hometown—they’ve made it a tradition to spend one week together every summer, exploring new destinations and creating memories. These annual trips form the backbone of their friendship, filled with laughter, mishaps, and the easy camaraderie that comes from knowing someone deeply over years.

The film’s tagline, “They only meet in summer…,” captures the essence of their relationship perfectly. Each vacation peels back layers of their dynamic, revealing how these opposites complement each other in unexpected ways. Poppy pushes Alex out of his comfort zone, encouraging him to try new experiences, while Alex provides Poppy with stability and a grounding presence amid her chaotic life. Over the decade of their friendship, viewers witness trips to places like New Orleans, a camping adventure in British Columbia (reimagined through scenic Canadian-inspired locales), the rolling hills of Tuscany, and a climactic wedding in Barcelona. These settings aren’t just backdrops—they actively shape the characters’ growth and the evolving tension between them.

What begins as a light, breezy rom-com gradually deepens into something more poignant. The narrative cleverly jumps between past summers and the present, building suspense around why their tradition suddenly stopped the previous year. A fallout—rooted in unspoken feelings, jealousy, and a pivotal misunderstanding—has left both characters adrift. Poppy, now questioning her nomadic lifestyle and career satisfaction, reaches out to Alex for one last trip, hoping to repair what was broken. This final journey forces them to confront the truth: their connection has always been more than platonic. The slow-burn realization that they might be each other’s perfect match sneaks up on the audience just as it does on the characters.

Director Brett Haley, known for sensitive character studies like Hearts Beat Loud and All the Bright Places, brings a gentle touch to the material. He allows moments to breathe, resisting the urge to overload the film with rapid-fire jokes or contrived drama. The humor arises naturally from the leads’ chemistry and the awkward, relatable situations they encounter—whether it’s navigating language barriers, dealing with travel disasters, or awkwardly meeting each other’s romantic partners over the years. The script, adapted by Yulin Kuang, Amos Vernon, and Nunzio Randazzo, stays faithful to the book’s spirit while making smart changes for the screen, such as condensing some trips and shifting locations for logistical reasons (much of the international footage was cleverly shot around Spain’s Costa Brava to stand in for multiple places).

The performances are a major strength. Emily Bader embodies Poppy with infectious energy and vulnerability, capturing her fear of settling down while hinting at the loneliness beneath her adventurous facade. Tom Blyth, fresh off high-profile roles, plays Alex with quiet intensity and subtle charm—his dry wit and gradual opening up feel authentic rather than forced. Their banter crackles with authenticity, making the “friends-to-lovers” arc believable and emotionally satisfying. Supporting players add color: Sarah Catherine Hook as a sweet but ultimately sidelined love interest, Lucien Laviscount bringing charisma, and comedic turns from Jameela Jamil, Lukas Gage, and others who populate the vacations with memorable side characters.

One of the film’s greatest achievements is its restraint. In a genre often criticized for cheesiness, People We Meet on Vacation avoids over-the-top declarations or contrived grand gestures. Instead, it builds tension through small, meaningful details: a lingering glance during a sunset walk, a shared inside joke that suddenly carries new weight, or the pain of watching the other person with someone else. The emotional payoff arrives organically, rewarding viewers who invest in the characters’ journey. The “twist” isn’t a shocking plot device but the quiet acknowledgment of long-buried feelings—a revelation that feels earned and refreshing.

Critics have praised its breezy yet heartfelt tone, with Rotten Tomatoes highlighting the charming leads and the film’s ability to deliver a romantic story worth staying for. While some book fans note differences—like streamlined subplots or altered settings—the adaptation succeeds in translating the novel’s warmth to the screen. It doesn’t rush the romance; it lets feelings develop at a human pace, making the eventual union feel inevitable yet surprising.

Beyond the central duo, the film explores themes of personal growth, the fear of change, and the courage to pursue what truly matters. Poppy’s restlessness mirrors many viewers’ post-pandemic reflections on life choices, while Alex’s steadiness offers a comforting counterpoint. Their story reminds us that the best relationships often grow from friendship, built on shared experiences rather than instant sparks.

Visually, the movie is a treat. Cinematography captures the vibrancy of each destination—the sultry nights of New Orleans, the rugged beauty of outdoor adventures, the romantic allure of European landscapes—without overshadowing the intimate character moments. The soundtrack complements the mood with upbeat yet nostalgic tracks that enhance the summery, wistful vibe.

In a streaming landscape full of flashy spectacles, People We Meet on Vacation stands out by being unapologetically sweet and sincere. It proves that a well-told love story, focused on emotional depth and genuine connection, can captivate millions. With its strong debut and positive buzz, the film has not only revived interest in Emily Henry’s book (sending it back onto bestseller lists) but also signaled appetite for more thoughtful rom-coms. As Poppy and Alex finally acknowledge what everyone else has seen all along, audiences are left with a lingering sense of hope—that sometimes, the person you’ve been vacationing with for years is the one you’ve been waiting for all along.