A Nostalgic Homage in ‘People We Meet on Vacation’ to ‘When Harry Met Sally’

A New Take on a Classic Romance

The romantic comedy genre has always been influenced by its predecessors, but few films have left as lasting an impression as When Harry Met Sally. This 1980s classic, directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron, set the standard for how love stories are told on screen. It introduced the idea that men and women can’t be friends without the complications of romance, a concept that has resonated with audiences for decades.

Now, with the release of People We Meet on Vacation, a new rom-com based on Emily Henry’s novel, the film is drawing direct inspiration from When Harry Met Sally. In fact, Henry herself has openly acknowledged the influence of the iconic movie on her work. During a recent interview, she mentioned that the initial idea for the book came from a desire to "take When Harry Met Sally and sort of gender swap them a little bit." This means that instead of the traditional male lead being the more laid-back character, the story flips the dynamic, making the male lead more neurotic and the female lead more outgoing and humorous.

The Modern Twist on a Timeless Concept

The film follows Poppy (played by Emily Bader) and Alex (Tom Blyth), two friends whose relationship evolves over time. Their journey mirrors the iconic friendship between Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan), but with a fresh perspective. Screenwriter Yulin Kuang, who worked on the adaptation, spoke about the connection between the two stories and how People We Meet on Vacation brings a modern take to the classic themes.

Kuang shared, “I mean, first of all, I do want to say, Nora Ephron and Rob Reiner, what inspirations they are. I hope this film is part of the torch carrying of the modern rom-com.” She emphasized that the film isn’t just a rehash of the past, but rather a continuation of the legacy that When Harry Met Sally helped create.

In discussing the characters of Poppy and Alex, Kuang added, “My hope for people is that the takeaway is, if you were looking for a sign to ruin the friendship, take it.” She also reflected on the slow-burn nature of their relationship, saying, “I think Poppy and Alex would have been happier if they’d just been a little braver sooner.”

The Power of Art and Nudges

Kuang went on to explain that art, especially in the form of storytelling, often serves as a nudge for people to make changes in their lives. She said, “I think that’s always kind of what art is for. To nudge us into doing it for the plot sometimes, because as far as we know, if you only get to live once, you may as well find out what would happen if you kissed your best friend. With consent.”

This sentiment echoes the experiences of Harry and Sally, who could have benefited from a similar nudge to explore their feelings earlier in their relationship. People We Meet on Vacation offers a modern version of this idea, encouraging viewers to consider what might happen if they took a chance on love.

A New Era for Rom-Coms

With its fresh take on a classic theme, People We Meet on Vacation has already sparked excitement among fans of the genre. The film not only pays homage to When Harry Met Sally but also introduces new perspectives that reflect contemporary views on relationships and friendship.

For those interested in watching, People We Meet on Vacation is now streaming on Netflix. Meanwhile, When Harry Met Sally remains available on HBO Max for those who want to revisit the original.

As the rom-com genre continues to evolve, it’s clear that the influence of classics like When Harry Met Sally will remain a key part of its identity. And with films like People We Meet on Vacation leading the way, the future of romantic storytelling looks brighter than ever.