Get ready to question everything you thought you knew about friendship and romance, because Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation is here to shake things up. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can two best friends who are polar opposites really be the perfect romantic match? That’s the question at the heart of this highly anticipated rom-com, starring Emily Bader and Tom Blyth as the dynamic duo of Poppy and Alex. These two have spent every summer vacation together, but their differences—free-spirited Poppy versus routine-loving Alex—make them an unlikely pair. And this is the part most people miss: Their friendship is so strong that it’s about to be tested in the most unexpected way.
In the teaser trailer, Bader’s Poppy is seen letting loose at the airport, jamming to Robyn’s ‘Hang With Me’ while waiting for her luggage. But the real surprise? When her impromptu karaoke moment is witnessed by none other than Blyth’s Alex, who’s been standing there the whole time. Awkward? Maybe. Adorable? Absolutely. As they embark on their adventures, the pair is repeatedly asked if they’re more than friends, only to awkwardly insist they’re just ‘platonic travel companions.’ But the chemistry between them is undeniable, leaving viewers wondering: Could there be something more?
Directed by Brett Haley and written by Yulin Kuang, Amos Vernon, and Nunzio Randazzo, People We Meet on Vacation is based on Henry’s 2021 bestseller, which debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times list and sold over 2 million copies in the U.S. The novel is a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers tale filled with fun travels and heartfelt moments. Henry herself was initially nervous about the casting, but she couldn’t be more thrilled with Bader and Blyth. ‘I watched their chemistry read four times in 12 hours, and I loved it more every single time,’ she told Netflix’s Tudum. ‘I truly could not feel more confident that my readers—and so many more people—are going to completely fall in love with Poppy and Alex.’
Produced by Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, and Isaac Klausner, with Laura Quicksilver, Ted Gidlow, and Henry as executive producers, the film is a partnership with Sony Pictures. The star-studded cast also includes Sarah Catherine Hook, Lucien Laviscount, Miles Heizer, Jameela Jamil, Tommy Do, Lukas Gage, Alice Lee, Molly Shannon, and Alan Ruck. But People We Meet on Vacation is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Henry’s book universe. Three more of her novels—Beach Read, Book Lovers, and Funny Story—are in development for film adaptations, while Happy Place is set to become a Netflix series.
Here’s the bold question: Is the line between friendship and romance as clear as we think? Or is it all just a matter of timing and perspective? Let’s just say this film might leave you rethinking your own relationships. Mark your calendars—People We Meet on Vacation premieres on Netflix on January 9, 2026. What do you think? Could you and your best friend be more than just friends? Let us know in the comments!
