Review: Is the 'People We Meet on Vacation' Film Superior to the Novel?

      Attention all BookTok enthusiasts: the movie adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation has finally been released. Anyone who knows me is aware that I’m constantly engrossed in romance novels, and when it comes to my favorite authors, Emily Henry is always my top choice. Her books offer everything I desire in a rom-com: a delightful blend of sweetness and spice, authentic characters, and the ability to make me laugh and cry within just a few hundred pages. Therefore, it came as no surprise to learn that nearly all of her stories were being adapted for film.

      Even though we’re only a few days into 2026, I’m not exaggerating when I say that People We Meet on Vacation is my most anticipated film of the year. Judging by my social media, I’m not alone in this sentiment. My feed is filled with excitement from readers re-reading the book, fan edits created from trailer clips, and amusing moments from the movie’s promotional tour. Given how much I (and many others) cherish Emily Henry’s literary world, I’ve been eagerly counting down the days until Poppy and Alex appeared on our screens. However, such anticipation also brings high expectations from those who fell in love with the story long before it arrived on Netflix. I’m pleased to share that People We Meet on Vacation was well worth the wait. But is it better as a film or a novel? Continue reading for my review.

      What is People We Meet on Vacation about?

      Poppy (Emily Bader) and Alex (Tom Blyth) are complete opposites, yet they are the best of friends. For the past ten years, they’ve spent a week together each summer on incredible vacations, ranging from camping in Canada to relaxing in the Tuscan countryside. However, things have changed—Poppy hasn’t talked to Alex in two years, and travel no longer brings her joy. When they find themselves in the same city for a wedding, Poppy has one week to restore their friendship. But will either be ready to acknowledge that their bond runs deeper?

      My review of People We Meet on Vacation

      The chemistry between Poppy and Alex is undeniable

      I have a soft spot for romantic tropes, especially friends-to-lovers and second-chance stories. Thankfully, People We Meet on Vacation delivers on both fronts. Tom Blyth and Emily Bader are highly entertaining as Alex and Poppy, capturing their distinct personalities effectively. However, their dynamic truly shines when they are together. Despite their contrasting personalities, they create an electrifying synergy on screen. The longing between them is palpable; it’s clear they’re meant to be more than friends, even if they are unwilling to acknowledge it, which only makes audiences root for them more.

      Many beloved scenes from the book made it to the film

      Adapting a book into a film or series is often a contentious topic, and rightly so! Frequently, the need to shorten an expansive narrative for a specific runtime results in beloved scenes being altered or completely removed. However, I’m happy to say that many of my favorite moments from the book are present in the film. Whether it’s early vacation antics, quirky supporting characters, or heartfelt exchanges between our leads, numerous scenes play out almost exactly as they did in the book (Norway, anyone?). I won’t give too much away, but rest assured, if you loved the novel, you will be pleased with what you see on screen.

      “If the adaptations of the rest of her books are handled with the same care as this one, I’m confident that millions more will fall in love with her worlds just as I have.”

      The vacation spots will ignite your wanderlust (or perhaps intensify it)

      In addition to making you swoon, the film will have you looking up flights as you watch. The storyline shifts between the present and past vacations that Poppy and Alex enjoyed together, allowing us to experience various stunning cities as the backdrop. New Orleans, Tuscany, and Barcelona come alive on screen. Watching their adventures unfold was special not only because I didn’t have to visualize them anymore but also because they were just as enchanting as I had imagined. I often talk about wanting to travel but rarely get around to it, yet my list of destinations certainly expanded as the credits rolled.

      So, is People We Meet on Vacation better than the book?

      As Emily Henry’s (self-proclaimed) biggest fan, I found this adaptation to be exceptional. The cast and crew beautifully brought the magic of the original material to life, and any changes only enhanced the story. I genuinely believe the book and the movie are equal in quality—while this may sound like a cop-out, I stand by it! The demand for quality rom-coms is strong, and there is no one better suited to usher in a new era than Emily Henry. If future adaptations of her books receive the same thoughtful treatment as this one, I’m sure millions more will come to adore her worlds as I have.

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