People We Meet on Vacation is a 2026 American romantic drama film directed by Brett Haley from a screenplay by Yulin Kuang, Amos Vernon, and Nunzio Randazzo. The film premiered on Netflix on January 6, 2026.
Poppy and Alex have been friends for ten years, even though they live in different cities. Every year they spend a vacation together, which becomes their tradition, in the moments when they feel that their friendship might be something more than just friendship. However, on their last vacation, something happens that makes you question whether the clock on their feelings has stopped - can friendship grow into love when everyone around them already feels that it is inevitable?
People We Meet on Vacation is a romantic comedy that captures the beauty and pain of human relationships through the prism of travel and shared memories. The gradual development of the relationship between Poppy and Alex is crafted with attention to detail – not just as a script, but as a journey in which the viewer begins to feel the summer winds, the laughter and the uncertainty for themselves.
The visuals are bright and airy, especially in the holiday scenes, which combine picturesque landscapes and intimate moments between the characters. The acting couples create real chemistry – Emily Bader like Poppy brings energy and optimism, while Tom Blythe as Alex adds stability and reflection, making the clash between free spirit and the need for roots very human.
The film’s strength lies in its balance between romance and reality, between summer adventures and inevitable life choices. The adaptation stays true to the spirit of the book, including the rituals of friendship and the desire to preserve memories. The supporting cast – including Sarah Catherine Hook, Jameela Jamil and Molly Shannon – adds additional depth, creating secondary characters who mirror the emotions of the main characters.
People We Meet on Vacation is a cozy and heartfelt romantic comedy, perfect for a time when you need a warm perspective on friendship, love, and how sometimes vacations reveal what we've overlooked. This is not a film that promises shocking twists, but more – tender moments, laughter, and thrills, perfect for those who believe that love is often hidden in the little things.
