All You Need to Know About 'People We Meet on Vacation' on Netflix

A New Romantic Comedy on Netflix

Netflix is set to release a new romantic comedy that is expected to become a fan favorite. The film, based on the novel of the same name by Emily Henry, features a compelling friends-to-lovers story. The movie stars Emily Bader as Poppy Wright and Tom Blyth as Alex Nilsen, bringing the beloved characters to life in an engaging adaptation.

Emily Henry, the author of the original book, expressed her excitement about the casting choices. She shared her thoughts with Netflix in July 2025, saying, "I've been kind of an anxious wreck about who would play these characters." However, she quickly added, "I truly could not feel more confident that my readers and then so many more people who don't even know about the book are going to completely fall in love with Poppy and Alex."

Henry also praised the chemistry between Bader and Blyth. She mentioned watching their chemistry read multiple times, each time finding it more enjoyable. "The very first time I was laughing out loud, and I got so emotional by the end," she said.

Understanding the Story

The film follows the journey of Poppy and Alex, two friends who met in college and have vacationed together every summer. Their friendship takes a turn after a drunken hookup during a trip to Croatia, leaving Poppy desperate to rekindle their relationship.

In the original book, the narrative shifts through various timelines, showcasing the pair's past trips and relationships with other partners. In the present day, Poppy attempts to reconnect with Alex during a final vacation to Palm Springs, where everything seems to go wrong. From a poorly maintained hotel to the scorching desert heat, the challenges bring them closer, leading to a confrontation about what happened in Croatia and whether their chemistry can evolve into something more.

The Cast of the Film

In addition to Bader and Blyth, the cast includes Sarah Catherine Hook, Jameela Jamil, Lucien Laviscount, Lukas Gage, Miles Heizer, Alice Lee, Tommy Do, Alan Ruck, Molly Shannon, and Michael A. Newcomer. Brett Haley is directing the project.

Haley praised Bader's portrayal of Poppy, highlighting her ability to express emotions openly. "She wears her emotions so openly, and Emily Bader captures all of that so fully," he said. He also noted her comedic timing and range, adding, "She'll make you laugh, and she'll make you cry."

Regarding Blyth, Haley remarked on his ability to bring authenticity to the role of Alex. "Tom Blyth, who in real life is effortlessly cool, really leaned into Alex's logic and restraint in a way that made the character feel incredibly real and relatable," he said. Blyth brought warmth, life, and quiet humor to the role, making him a perfect fit for the part.

Excitement Around the Film

Although an official trailer has not yet been released, Netflix has shared some early glimpses of the film. The streaming platform revealed the first photos of Bader and Blyth in their respective roles. Additionally, they provided a quick teaser featuring voice-overs from Poppy and Alex, accompanied by a clip of waves crashing.

The teaser included a dialogue between the characters: "Where does Alex Nielsen stand on travel? Love or hate?" Poppy asks. Alex replies, "I mean, I've never really traveled before, but this morning I saw this beautiful sunrise or this place that I've never been before and I wouldn't have if everything had gone according to plan. So, love. I'm thinking love."

Release Date

The film is scheduled to be released on Netflix on January 9, 2026. Fans of romantic comedies and Emily Henry's work are eagerly anticipating the release, hoping it will live up to the high expectations set by the original novel. With its talented cast and compelling storyline, "People We Meet on Vacation" is poised to become a standout addition to Netflix's library of romantic films.