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People We Meet On Vacation
Netflix is kicking off 2026 with a cracking adaptation, bringing Emily Henry’s beloved novel, People We Meet On Vacation, to the global screen on January 9th. The trailer, a sun-drenched jaunt across the globe, immediately reassures fans that the core elements—the decade-long, tension-fraught, summer-only friendship of Poppy and Alex—have been beautifully preserved under the careful eye of director Brett Haley.
The two-minute preview introduces us to Poppy (Emily Bader), the ostensibly carefree travel writer, and Alex (Tom Blyth), the reserved, routine-loving anchor in her life. Their premise is a romantic comedy gold mine: two people who are clearly soulmates, yet stubbornly remain "just friends." The footage opens with a brilliantly timed, albeit brief, cameo from Molly Shannon, whose well-meaning, boundary-pushing advice sets the easy, conversational humour early on. This exchange, alongside the subsequent montage of Poppy coaxing Alex out of his shell—from spontaneous skinny-dipping requests to a raucous moment where he picks her up in a crowded street—firmly establishes the effortless chemistry between Bader and Blyth. They feel genuinely comfortable together, a necessity for a story resting on a decade of shared history.
Haley’s direction, coupled with the screenplay by Yulin Kuang and Amos Vernon & Nunzio Randazzo, promises a visually arresting film. The trailer serves as a magnificent travelogue, cutting rapidly between sun-bleached beaches, bustling markets, and charming European cityscapes. This 'vacation' aesthetic isn't just window dressing; it acts as the necessary, external catalyst for the central romance. When they are away, they can be "Vacation Alex" and "Vacation Poppy"—the people they want to be, unburdened by their everyday lives in different cities. The contrast between this holiday liberation and the messy reality back home is where the dramatic tension will surely reside.
Crucially, the trailer doesn't shy away from the inevitable emotional turning point. We see the classic rom-com confusion as they are constantly mistaken for newlyweds, before the mood shifts. Alex’s confrontation of Poppy, accusing her of "always running away to new places" and the resulting question—"What am I to you?"—lands with the necessary weight. Their answer, "You’re my friend," is delivered with that perfect, heartbreaking ambivalence that fans of the source material will recognise and appreciate. This segment confirms that the film isn’t just about exotic locations; it’s about the vulnerability required to choose love over the comfort of friendship.
With a supporting cast that also boasts Jameela Jamil and Alan Ruck, the picture is shaping up to be a robust and highly anticipated streaming event. People We Meet On Vacation looks set to be a thoroughly British affair in its tone and appeal—a charming, heartfelt escape, promising both belly laughs and a good cry. We’re chuffed to bits with this glimpse; mark your calendars for January 2026.
