People We Meet On Vacation (2026)
2026 is starting off strong with a film that I wasn’t expecting to be as good as it was. I initially saw this film being watched by many of my peers and wasn’t exactly hooked right away into putting it on, but I felt that it would have been a good way to start 2026 and watch one of its first films. It was a fantastic choice and I'm so glad that I watched it and got instantly hooked and sucked into the world of Poppy and Alex. People We Meet On Vacation is adapted from an Emily Henry booked that was released in 2021 with the same title, and is proven to be a great idea to adapt into a screenplay, its a basic romantic comedy idea yet so gripping and affective.
People We Meet On Vacation is a really exciting and authentic Rom-Com that has a really well paced Non-Linear story that allows us to focus on the lead characters relationships, and learn how they became tied together through their stories and travels. A story that keeps us guessing as to how they ended up loosing contact after being vacation buddies for years of their lives, learning the world together and exploring new territories. the 3 act structure works like a treat in this, with us meeting the characters and learning how they first met each other, into the middle part showing their travels and how everything ended up going wrong and to what happens when they finally see each other again in the final act. It’s so beautifully structured and built in a way that makes us care so much more than I would have ever of anticipated.
The chemistry between both Poppy and Alex was electric and the best part, believable. They have so much charm that makes the audience route for them for the entire run time. They shift from banter to serious and heartfelt conversations so easily, with the steamy moments feeling so natural and only happening with a slow build up to the pay off of that first inital romantic spark. It allows the film to have a fairly simple romantic comedy story and vibe, but based on the characters and build alone, it makes this film super engaging and entertaining.
Not only do our leads have really infatuating chemistry, but their performances also back up and enhance the romance and the plot tenfold. Tom Blyth gives a fun yet reserved approach to this role, matching his characters energy to a tea. He is able to play the held back and shy lad who needs to be brought out of his shell so well. Emily Bader who I actually haven’t seen in anything else, gives a performance that is emotional, inspiring and fun to reflect her characters bubbly and energetic yet in touch with her feelings personality. I hope we get to see more of these actors in future projects as they are both so fun and vibrant on screen.
Director Brett Haley didn’t need to do anything flashy with the camera to create a fun and engaging flick. He allows the actors to take all of the attention in this film, knowing that they would make it all come together. Haley also did Great work with the vibrant and summer colour palette that matches the vibe of the story, the orange sun kissed colours matched with the primary colours dotted around the cityscapes, villas, clothings and more to have a mix of vibes that makes me want to get on holiday right now. Even in moments that get emotional and set in the dark has lights that project an orange haze on screen which I found to be a pleasant sight on the eyes.
Of course, as this is based on the book, it can be not only predictable for the fans who have read the book but even for me who hasnt I could tell exactly what was going to happen next. Is this a bad thing, not exactly but it is extremely clique for the Romantic Comedy genre. The Non Linear aspect of this screenplay allows this from becoming another overdone and boring trope of a film. This isn’t a full on negative aspect, but some part of me would have loved something a little bit more daring for the outcome of this film. That didn’t stop me from smiling from ear to ear throughout however.
Overall, People We Meet on Vacation is a fun and lighthearted Rom-Com that had me smiling throughout its run time. Allowing the lead characters to shine and have electric chemistry on screen and riffing off an engaging and exciting non linear screenplay. Brett Haley matches the vibrant performances with summer vibe colours to keep this warm and hot atmosphere throughout, with it physically and chemistry wise. If you are a fan of enjoyable and satisfying Romantic Comedies that are fairly predictable yet always having a powerful pay off, then this one is for you!