It’s been a long time coming. The first Emily Henry book-to-screen adaptation is coming soon!
The ‘People We Meet on Vacation’ film is premiering on Netflix on January 9, 2026, with Emily Bader and Tom Blyth as the leads.
The Story of People We Meet on Vacation
Poppy and Alex are best friends — the former a free-spirited writer and the other a reserved teacher—who have shared one annual summer vacation for ten years. However, their tradition ended two years ago after a mysterious incident, causing them to stop speaking. Desperate to fix their bond, Poppy convinces Alex to take one last vacation, forcing them to confront the undeniable truth between them. But will this getaway finally rekindle their broken friendship, or will the long-buried romantic feelings change everything?
If the film teaser had you hooked with the actors’ undeniable chemistry, here’s what you should expect when you pick up this globe-trotting romance before the movie hits the big screen:
1. Satisfy Your Wanderlust
Poppy is a travel writer who visits various tourist destinations and writes about them for a magazine. The setting revolves around two best friends who love to travel together and will rekindle their friendship, potentially leading to a romantic relationship, along the way. Best of all, the book will make you feel like you’re part of Poppy and Alex’s travel experience!
2. Friends-to-Lovers, Done Right
Poppy and Alex have been best friends for a decade, despite being total opposites. It's a sweet, slow-burning romance that focuses heavily on the depth of their long-term, platonic bond.
Fans of the book have raved about how believable and wholesome the deep friendship between Poppy and Alex is, which makes the eventual shift to romance feel earned and natural. And even better, Emily Henry is known for writing fantastic dialogue, and the witty, funny banter between Poppy and Alex is a highlight that makes the book feel light and engaging!
3. A Transformative Journey
Poppy and Alex’s journey is the main arc of the book. Through the alternating timelines of the past and present POVs, we see the evolution of their relationship from platonic to romantic. With timeless and relatable themes of self-discovery, finding 'home,' and second chances, this is a must-read for everyone. We also witness Poppy's internal conflict — her struggle to reconcile professional success with personal fulfillment — which fuels the major relationship transformation from platonic friendship into earned, lasting romance.
4. A Perfect "Feel-Good" Read
Charming and emotional, but still fun and light, this is a true rom-com that hits all the sweet spots for a satisfying read!
Are you excited to see Poppy and Alex's story brought to life in the movie? If you haven’t read the book or want to revisit the story before it releases on Netflix, you can grab a copy at National Book Store!
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