People We Meet on Vacation marked a special moment for romance fans as one of Emily Henry’s most loved stories made its long-awaited debut on screen.
The Netflix adaptation arrived with high expectations, and early audience reactions suggest the film delivered the same warmth and emotional depth that made the novel a bestseller. Viewers praised its gentle tone and faithful approach to the source material.
Emily Henry has spent years building a devoted readership through novels that explore friendship, missed timing and slow-burn romance. Titles such as Beach Read, Book Lovers, Happy Place and Funny Story established her as one of the most influential romance writers of recent years. People We Meet on Vacation marks the first full-screen adaptation of her work.
IT'S PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION EVE pic.twitter.com/iNrE50STAK
— Netflix (@netflix) January 8, 2026
The story follows Poppy and Alex, portrayed by Emily Bader and Tom Blyth. The pair play longtime friends who live in different cities but reunite each summer for shared trips. What begins as an easy and familiar bond slowly deepens as emotions they have long avoided come to the surface.
Welcome to the world, poppyalex 🧡
People We Meet on Vacation, starring Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, is NOW PLAYING. pic.twitter.com/BWiRNjUz7N
— Netflix (@netflix) January 9, 2026
Critics largely responded warmly, highlighting the natural chemistry between the lead actors and the story’s emotional payoff. Many noted that the film’s quiet moments and restrained pacing allowed the relationship to feel authentic.
Now streaming on Netflix, People We Meet on Vacation has renewed hopes that more of Emily Henry’s novels could successfully make the transition from page to screen, much to the delight of romance lovers worldwide