TechRadar Verdict
The people we meet on vacation are the perfect reminder that January doesn’t have to be cold and dreary. The romantic chemistry between our two leads is astonishing, and who needs edgy cinema when you can be comfortable instead?
Benefits
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Impeccable performances from Emily Bader and Tom Blyth
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An undeniable alchemy
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Stays largely faithful to the novel
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Seems original and strong as a romantic comedy storyline
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Values platonic love just as much as romantic
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Cheeky Lucien Laviscount cameo for Emily in Paris fans
Disadvantages
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Has the dreaded Netflix cookie-cutter look
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It’s not at all ambitious, although it doesn’t aim to be
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Changes are made from the original book and a lot is left out
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There’s a running joke in the TV and film industry that January is the time when studios release their “clangers” (i.e. projects that will undoubtedly fail) – but only nine days after the start of 2026, a new Netflix movie People we meet on vacation shatters the myth.
If you’ve heard the title before, it’s because Netflix is adapting Emily Henry’s bestselling 2021 romance novel. However, if you’re a die-hard “Vacationer” (that’s what I’m going to call the fanbase), you’ll notice some major changes… but I promise you that the steamy, playful romantic chemistry between Poppy (Emily Bader) and Alex (Tom Blyth) hasn’t gone anywhere.
People We Meet on Vacation relies solely on its actors – and you will fall in love with them
I can’t sing the praises of Bader and Blyth enough – even their last names together sound like a perfect double act. For Bader, it’s a chance to shine in a leading role that could have easily gone to the likes of Sofia Carson or Zoey Deutch. Instead of taking the lazy route, Netflix has been more inventive and bold in its casting, and it’s having colossal payoffs.
As for Blyth, I think he’s more than earned the right to have a little fun on screen. After In civilian clothes, Waste And The hunger games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakesit’s almost as much of a vacation for us as seeing him take on a light-hearted role. Blyth walks delightfully on the line between impassive and pleasure-loving, letting her guard down enough to open up to what the world around her has to offer.
Together they are dynamite. If I had seen them filming a scene while walking down the street, I would be fully convinced that not only had the two men known each other for years, but that they were truly hopelessly in love. Chemistry is not something that can be molded or manufactured, and this makes People we meet on vacation all the more special.
Everything comes together naturally, whether it’s the budding relationship between our main duo, the ease of following them around the world or the ability to fully invest in their struggles and grievances. Combined with Henry’s unique take on building a love story, you get a powerful end product.
Book lovers, be warned of some changes
Now for the slightly less brilliant news: some notable changes have been made to the original book. Needless to say, a lot was left undone in the editing room: turning a 400-page book into a film in less than two hours means there will be casualties. Nothing hinders the storytelling… but don’t be too disappointed if your favorite travel scene doesn’t make the cut.
Without giving the game away, the changes are primarily location-based. To some extent, this makes sense, given that it may simply be easier to film in some locations than others. However, there’s also a big change regarding how Poppy and Alex ultimately end up at David’s (Miles Heizer) wedding.
In reality, this will only bother those who liked the book, because objectively you can never say that something is wrong. Still, we have at least one hilarious appearance from Lucien Laviscount (Alfie, for Emilie in Paris fans), to iron out all the problems.
People we meet on vacation doesn’t have a wow factor, but it doesn’t need to. In the Netflix romance canon, it stands out simply by doing the basics incredibly well, with an original twist. Cuddle up this weekend under a pile of blankets while pretending you’re on vacation, and you’ve got yourself a perfect weekend.
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Jasmine is a streaming editor for TechRadar, having previously written for outlets including Radio Times, Yahoo! and stylist. She specializes in heartwarming TV shows and movies, ranging from Hallmark’s latest tearjerker to Netflix’s Virgin River. She was also the one who wrote an obituary for George Cooper Sr. during season 7 of Young Sheldon and still can’t watch the funeral episode.
