People We Meet on Vacation review: Netflix changes key details from the hit book, but it’s still their best rom-com yet

There's a running joke in the TV and movies industry that January is when studios release their 'clangers' (i.e. projects that will undoubtedly flop) – but just nine days into 2026, new Netflix movie People We Meet on Vacation is busting the myth.

If you've heard the title before, that's because Netflix is adapting the smash-hit 2021 romance novel by Emily Henry. However, if you're a diehard 'Vacationer' (that's what I'm going to call the fan base), you'll notice some major changes... but I promise the sizzling and playful romantic chemistry between Poppy (Emily Bader) and Alex (Tom Blyth) hasn't gone anywhere.

Even the core storyline itself feels refreshing as a rom-com concept. Wild and bashful Emily is the polar opposite of reserved and anxious Alex, but after meeting at university, the pair spend years of their friendship having adventures while traveling the world. They always try to spend one week of their summer vacation together no matter where life takes them... but as they get old, life makes things a lot more complicated.

Personally, I love that we're starting a new year with the energy that platonic love is just as important (if not more) as romantic love. People We Meet on Vacation does eventually inject the rom into rom-com, but the most of the storyline, we're following two people learning to love each other for exactly who they are, and that isn't confined to romance.

Yes, the dreaded homogenous 'Netflix look' that the streamer molds all of its project into is back, and there's nothing note-worthy in its construction. But frankly, I don't think we need any additional razzle dazzle here.

People We Meet on Vacation relies solely on its cast – and you'll fall in love with them

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I cannot sing the praises of Bader and Blyth highly enough – even their surnames put together sound like the perfect double act. For Bader, it's a chance to shine in a leading role that could have been easily given to the likes of Sofia Carson or Zoey Deutch. Instead of taking the lazy route, Netflix has been more inventive and daring in its casting, and that has a colossal payoff.

As for Blyth, I think he's more than earned the right to have a bit of fun on screen. After Plainclothes, Wasteman and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, it's almost as much of a holiday for us to watch him take on a light-hearted role. Blyth exquisitely toes the line between standoffish and fun-loving, letting his guard down enough to be open to what the world around him has to offer.

Together, they're dynamite. If I'd seen them filming a scene while walking down the street, I'd be fully convinced that the pair hadn't only known each other for years, but were truly head over heels. Chemistry isn't something that can be cast or manufactured, and that makes People We Meet on Vacation all the more special.

Everything comes together naturally, whether that's the budding relationship between our lead duo, the ease of following them around the globe or the ability to be fully invested in their fights and grievances. Combined with Henry's unique take on constructing a romance story, and you've got a mighty end product.

Book lovers, be warned of some changes

Now for the slightly less brilliant news: there are noticeable changes to the original book. It should almost go without saying that a lot has been left on the cutting room floor – transforming a 400-page book into a movie under two hours means there's going to be some casualties. It's nothing that impedes the storytelling... just don't be too disappointed if your favorite travel scene didn't make the cut.

Without giving the game away, the changes are mostly location-based. To a degree, this is logical, given that it might simply be easier to film in certain places than others. However, there's also a big change surrounding how Poppy and Alex eventually end up at David's (Miles Heizer) wedding.

Really, this is only going to bother those who loved the book, as objectively, you'd never be able to tell that anything is out of place. Still, at least we've got a hilariously-placed cameo from Lucien Laviscount (Alfie, for Emily in Paris fans), to smooth over any issues.

People We Meet on Vacation doesn't have wow-factor, but it doesn't need to. In the Netflix romance canon, it stands alone just by doing the basics incredibly well, with an original twist. Binge it this weekend under a pile of blankets while pretending you're on holiday, and you've got the picture-perfect weekend.

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