In the past few years, romance novels have regained popularity, and romantic comedies have become hits for many. People have forgotten that love - whether platonic or romantic - can help anyone through difficult times.
One author has consistently delivered romantic novels, and she has now created her own little universe. Emily Henry skyrocketed the bestseller list and is now adapting her novels into films and television series.
Her second novel, People We Meet on Vacation, is the first film to be adapted for Netflix. Emily Henry loosely based the characters of Poppy (Emily Bader) and Alex (Tom Blyth) on the blueprint of romantic comedy couples Harry Burns and Sally Albright from When Harry Met Sally. Naturally, as a massive fan myself, this novel was right up my alley.
Co-writers Yulin Kuang, Amos Vernon and Nunzio Randazzo adapted the book well, while paying homage to other films in the genre.
The story of Poppy and Alex spans over a decade; a decade filled with longing, unrequited love, and most importantly, a foundation of friendship. Director Brett Haley effectively captured the essence of the novel, as Emily Henry shifted between past and present to fill in the gaps of Poppy and Alex’s relationship.
Once a year, Poppy and Alex would meet somewhere in the world for a vacation. Poppy lived in New York and became a travel writer, while Alex continued his schooling, eventually settling as a teacher in Linfield, Ohio.
Poppy is someone who can’t stay in one place. She loves meeting new people and forming connections because she feels lonely in the world. She tries not to stay in one place for too long with people, fearful that they may leave her anyway, because she believes she’s too much, which is why “Vacation Poppy” is when she’s happiest.
What Emily Henry taught many with People We Meet on Vacation is that our dreams can change. What we crave and search for when we are younger can be achieved, and then that drive fades.
There’s a void no one talks about once you feel like you’ve achieved certain goals in your life, but there shouldn't be an emptiness, but rather a feeling of opportunity and newness to strive for new heights.
Poppy struggles with where she wants to be in life. She has had failed relationships, but Alex has been her constant. The reason why Alex and Poppy work is that Alex is Poppy’s anchor.
Tom Blyth and Emily Bader had excellent chemistry that elevated the words off the page. Bader had stellar comedic timing as a cooky, bright-eyed young girl seeking adventure, while Blyth acted as the reserved, straight man who went along with her antics.
Poppy pulled Alex out of his shell and made “Vacation Alex” a whole new person with different experiences, while Alex reminded Poppy that stability is important in life. It’s more than a friends-to-lovers trope; it’s a reminder that opposites can attract.
Brett Haley explored key moments of their relationship on each vacation. He showed the nature of the love they had for each other. From Poppy pretending that they are newly engaged and throwing in a dance routine, to Alex skipping a flight to help Poppy overcome a fever. The familiar conventions were comforting because the chemistry between the two leads made their love believable.
Poppy was the more fleshed-out character, and even though Emily Bader was the lead, the big difference from the novel is how Alex lacked depth in the film. For whatever reason, they kept Alex at the surface, and there’s so much more they could have explored with him. They never touched upon the reason as to why he’s so disciplined and reserved, which is a key factor in his relationship with Poppy.
People We Meet on Vacation does not break any moulds, but it does make a point to remind audiences that love is important and that vulnerability is never a sign of weakness. Romantic comedies serve as a vessel in which love can exist and in which lessons can be learned about oneself. It takes one person to change your perspective, and you eventually grow into the person you’re meant to become.
Rating: ★★★★
Review by: Amanda Guarragi