A 2026 Romantic Comedy Adaptation You Can’t Miss on Netflix

Netflix has a vast library of romantic comedies, but for fans of Emily Henry’s bestselling novel "People We Meet on Vacation," there’s only one must-watch option. This novel has been adapted into a Netflix original film directed by Brett Haley and written by Yulin Kuang, Amos Vernon, and Nunzio Randazzo. The movie stars Emily Bader and Tom Blyth in lead roles.

Emily Henry is currently one of the most popular romance writers, with novels such as "Funny Story," "Beach Read," "Book Lovers," "Happy Place," and her upcoming 2025 release "Great Big Beautiful Life." Each of these books could easily be adapted into a successful movie or TV series. It was only a matter of time before one of her works made it to the screen, and this adaptation is no exception.

In the film, Tom Blyth plays Alex Nilsen, an uptight character who forms a bond with his free-spirited best friend, Poppy Wright, played by Emily Bader. They make a pact to go on vacation together every year, allowing them to break free from their usual routines and take risks they wouldn’t normally consider. Over time, a growing spark between them leads to questions about whether they were meant to be together all along.

Despite some mixed reviews, many viewers find the film to be a fun and lighthearted rom-com, thanks to its engaging performances and charming storyline.

What Happens in "People We Meet on Vacation"?

The story begins with Poppy and Alex taking a road trip back to their hometown in Ohio after college. Due to car trouble, they end up spending the night at a small motel, where they form a strong friendship despite their contrasting personalities. Poppy is chaotic and spontaneous, while Alex is more structured and rule-oriented.

Years later, Poppy is invited to the wedding of Alex’s younger brother, David, in Barcelona. As a travel writer, she takes the opportunity to visit the city for work, hoping to reconnect with Alex. However, their friendship faces challenges due to their growing attraction and personal obstacles, including Alex’s on-and-off relationship with his girlfriend Sarah and Poppy’s fleeting flings with other men.

As expected in a romantic comedy, the two eventually overcome their differences and share a passionate kiss in the rain, leading to heartfelt declarations of love that had been building for years. While the full details of the plot remain a mystery, the film offers a classic friends-to-lovers narrative.

Where Have You Seen Tom Blyth and Emily Bader Before?

Tom Blyth is well-known for his role as a young Coriolanus Snow in the 2023 prequel "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," which serves as a backstory for the "Hunger Games" series. In this film, he portrays the future president of Panem, whose family is struggling financially. He is assigned to mentor a tribute from District 12, and he develops a connection with Lucy Gray Baird, played by Rachel Zegler.

Emily Bader gained recognition for her role as Lady Jane Grey in the Amazon Prime series "My Lady Jane." The show, which aired in 2024, was unfortunately canceled after just one season. However, this allowed Bader to take on the role of Poppy in "People We Meet on Vacation."

The film is now available to stream on Netflix, offering a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre. If you enjoyed this article, consider signing up for a newsletter to stay updated on the latest news in movies and television. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google for more content.