Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as we dive into the world of Netflix's latest romcom, People We Meet on Vacation. Just when you're dreaming of a tropical escape from the winter blues, this movie promises a warm and cozy journey. But, oh boy, does it deliver? Let's find out!
Adapted from Emily Henry's beloved novel, this film checks all the superficial boxes - sparkling eyes, an unrealistic job (a romcom staple!), and even a Taylor Swift song on the soundtrack. But here's where it gets controversial... it's all style and no substance. There's no emotional connection, no depth to root for, and no unique twist to keep us engaged. It's like we've seen this story a million times before, and that's a problem.
When comparing it to the iconic When Harry Met Sally, the similarities are striking. Both journeys transform friendship into love over an epic time span. However, what felt authentic and human in 1989 now feels like a shallow imitation in 2026. It's a grim start to the year for romcom enthusiasts like me.
Our modern-day Harry and Sally are Alex and Poppy, played by Tom Blyth and Emily Bader. They make a pact to vacation together annually, no matter their life circumstances. The film flashes back to their past summers, reminiscent of One Day, and then fast-forwards to the present, where Poppy prepares to join Alex at his brother's wedding in Barcelona. This mosaic of memories should be rich and meaningful, but instead, we're left with superficial scenes of karaoke, pretend marriages, and awkward skinny-dipping incidents.
Poppy, unfortunately, is a tired romcom cliche. She's clumsy, messy, and late, in stark contrast to Alex's rule-abiding personality. While opposites-attract dynamics can work, this one feels forced and inauthentic. When Poppy finally becomes relatable with her emotional struggles, it's too little, too late. We don't connect with her as a real person, but rather as a construct.
The script, written by Yulin Kuang, Amos Vernon, and Nunzio Randazzo, fails to explain why these two aren't together from the start. Every attempt to keep them apart feels contrived, and the humor falls flat. It's a disappointing turn for director Brett Haley, who previously charmed audiences with his indie drama Hearts Beat Loud. With this film, he's now delivered three consecutive misfires for Netflix's YA audience.
People We Meet on Vacation aims to be a lighthearted escape for those seeking wanderlust and romance. But why does it feel like such a tedious journey? It's a question worth pondering.
So, what do you think? Is this movie a missed opportunity, or did it hit the right notes for you? Let's discuss in the comments!
