Netflix’s People We Meet On Vacation Becomes A Rom-Com Hit

Netflix’s latest romantic comedy, People We Meet on Vacation, has quickly become one of the streaming giant’s biggest hits of 2026, delighting both diehard fans of Emily Henry’s bestselling novel and newcomers to the story. The film, which began streaming just a week ago, stars Tom Blyth as the buttoned-up Alex Nilsen and Emily Bader as the free-spirited Poppy Wright—two best friends whose annual vacations together spark a slow-burning romance that’s as charming as it is complicated. According to Refinery29, the movie’s early success underscores the enduring appetite for smart, heartfelt love stories, especially those adapted from beloved books.

Emily Henry’s original 2021 novel has long been a favorite among romance readers, praised for its witty dialogue and emotional depth. The story follows Poppy and Alex, opposites in almost every way, who have kept up a decade-long tradition of taking one weeklong trip together every summer. But after a disastrous vacation (set in Croatia in the book), their friendship falls apart. Two years later, Poppy realizes her happiest moments were always with Alex, prompting her to arrange one final trip in hopes of mending their broken bond.

Director Brett Haley’s adaptation stays true to the heart of Henry’s story while making several notable changes—some subtle, others more sweeping. For instance, Collider reports that the film shifts the pivotal friendship-breaking trip from Croatia to Tuscany, and moves the present-day storyline from Palm Springs to the sun-drenched streets of Barcelona. These changes, while potentially jarring to purists, are handled with care, ensuring the spirit of the original remains intact.

One of the most significant departures from the novel is the way the movie frames the estrangement between Poppy and Alex. In the book, their rift occurs during a trip to Croatia, culminating in a charged make-out session and subsequent miscommunication. The film, however, places the drama in Tuscany, where Poppy, Alex, Alex’s on-again, off-again girlfriend Sarah (played by Sarah Catherine Hook), and Poppy’s then-boyfriend Trey (Lucien Laviscount) embark on a couples’ getaway. Tensions simmer as Poppy faces a pregnancy scare and nearly shares a kiss with Alex, only for him to propose to Sarah the next day—a twist that doesn’t appear in the novel. Despite these plot alterations, Collider notes that the core theme of unspoken feelings and missed opportunities remains central to both versions.

The movie also makes adjustments to the present-day timeline. Instead of the book’s focus on a reunion trip to Palm Springs, the film centers around Alex’s brother David’s (Miles Heizer) wedding in Barcelona. Poppy, still working as a travel writer as in the novel, is urged to attend the wedding after learning from David that Alex and Sarah have broken up. She tells Alex she’s already headed to Barcelona for work, setting the stage for their awkward, heartfelt reunion. According to Collider, while some details—like the broken air conditioning in their Airbnb and Alex’s back spasm—are retained for fans’ amusement, the overall structure is more streamlined and cinematic.

Emily Henry herself played a key role in shaping the adaptation’s tone and approach. Tom Blyth shared with Decider that the cast had a chance to meet Henry early in the process, and she encouraged them to bring their own personalities to the roles. "Early on, we met [Emily Henry] on Zoom. She was really supportive. She gave us freedom and said, 'Look, obviously these are the characters that are beloved by my fans, but also we've cast you guys for a reason. Please go and make them your own, and bring yourselves to them.' Which is really nice to hear, because I think—especially in the rom-com world—you have to bring yourself to it to stay loose and have fun with it. Maybe more than in the drama. She gave us permission to play," Blyth explained. This creative latitude, he said, made the film feel fresh and true to the strengths of its cast.

The supporting cast rounds out the quirky ensemble, with Lukas Gage, Lucien Laviscount, and Jameela Jamil adding both comedic flair and emotional heft. The film also preserves the novel’s signature flashback structure, weaving together present-day moments and past vacations as Poppy and Alex inch closer to confronting their true feelings for one another.

Fans of the book will spot other clever nods and changes. The movie trims down the screentime for both families, and includes original touches like Poppy’s decision to buy a bear statue—an amusing detail not found in the novel. The adaptation also reimagines Poppy and Alex’s first meeting. Rather than encountering each other at college orientation in Chicago (as in the book), they meet on a road trip to Ohio, a change that evokes the classic rom-com When Harry Met Sally. Emily Henry admitted in her author’s notes that, while unintentional, the parallel to that beloved film was a happy accident, describing her own story as "Two characters with so little in common that romance never seemed to be on the table, and thus friendship could blossom."

Despite the differences, the heart of People We Meet on Vacation remains its exploration of how friendship can evolve into something deeper. The movie, like the book, is less about the destinations and more about the journey these two characters take toward vulnerability and love. As Refinery29 puts it, the film is a testament to the power of romantic comedies and the enduring relevance of stories that celebrate emotional intimacy and second chances.

For those who might worry that the adaptation strays too far from the source, critics and audiences alike have found that the film’s changes actually enhance its cinematic appeal. The streamlined plot, punchy dialogue, and sun-soaked settings make for a breezy viewing experience, while the chemistry between Blyth and Bader anchors the story in genuine emotion. And for those who enjoy one version, there’s always the other to discover, with enough differences to keep things interesting.

Emily Henry’s ascent as a romance author continues, with People We Meet on Vacation now streaming on Netflix in the U.S. and already being hailed as one of the year’s standout romantic comedies. For anyone craving a travel-heavy romance about two best friends who take a very long time to admit what everyone else can already see, this adaptation delivers all the laughs, heartache, and hope that have made Henry’s novel a modern classic.

With its sunlit backdrops, relatable characters, and a story that balances humor with heartfelt moments, People We Meet on Vacation proves that sometimes, the best love stories are the ones that take their time—and aren’t afraid to take a few detours along the way.