There are nights when you just want to scroll through Netflix and find something easy, light, and comforting to watch. That’s exactly how this movie popped up. People We Meet on Vacation looked like a typical rom-com at first, but it turned out to be one of those rare finds that feels warm, familiar, and deeply satisfying.
Lately, watching a good romantic comedy has become the go-to way to relax. There’s something comforting about stories that make you laugh, feel a little nostalgic, and believe in love again. This one does all that and more.
Directed by Brett Haley and based on Emily Henry’s bestselling novel, People We Meet on Vacation stars Emily Bader as Poppy Wright and Tom Blyth as Alex Nilsen. Their chemistry is immediate and undeniable. They care about each other deeply, but they are too afraid to admit it because they don’t want to ruin their friendship. That tension makes every scene between them feel alive.
The story follows Poppy, a travel writer who feels stuck, and Alex, her grounded best friend. For years, they’ve gone on annual vacations together, from camping in Canada to exploring Barcelona. Each trip captures their evolving friendship, showing how strong their connection is while hinting at the love they haven’t yet admitted.
As a traveler, I loved how the movie captures wanderlust. Locations like Tuscany, New Orleans, and Barcelona feel like chapters in their story. Watching it makes you remember how travel can bring people closer in ways ordinary life cannot.
Emily Bader brings warmth and spontaneity to Poppy, while Tom Blyth’s quiet, grounded presence gives Alex depth and sincerity. Together, they feel real. Their banter is playful, their silences charged, and their unspoken feelings make every glance count.
A pivotal moment comes when Alex finally admits, “I don’t wanna be your friend, Poppy. I want you.” For the first time, they try to make it work as a couple. Everything seems perfect until Alex asks, “Could you see a life in Linfield or in New York?” Poppy is unsure, wanting to enjoy life as it comes and not sure what she really wants. Her uncertainty hurts Alex because, while they love each other, love has never been the problem. That tension makes their story feel grounded and relatable.
Later, after Poppy resigns from her job and finally decides what she truly wants, she literally runs after Alex and tells him, “You’re not a vacation to me, Alex. You’re home.” The movie ends with her back at her laptop, reflecting on her journey and what she’s learned: home isn’t a place, it’s where you can truly be yourself with someone who loves you. Even on vacation, she’s finally found it with Alex.
By the end, you’re left smiling and maybe tearing up, thinking of someone in your life who feels like home.
If you’re looking for a feel-good movie that is sweet, funny, and real, People We Meet on Vacation is a perfect pick. It’s now streaming on Netflix and definitely worth watching for anyone who believes the best love stories start with friendship.
