Farewell to “Love at First Sight” Fairy Tales: “People We Meet on Vacation” from Brett Haley

Adapted to the silver screen from Emily Henry’s global bestselling novel and bringing an exceptionally mature fresh breath to the romantic comedy genre, “People We Meet on Vacation” (2026) took its place in the Netflix library on January 9, 2026. Sitting in the director’s chair is Brett Haley, with the screenplay penned by Yulin Kuang, Amos Vernon, and Nunzio Randazzo; the 117-minute film sets aside traditional “love at first sight” clichés to center on an intimate love story rooted in a solid ten-year friendship. Bringing together the opposite poles of adventurous travel writer Poppy and teacher Alex, who prefers a homebody and quiet life, the production takes the audience on a journey through both colorful vacation destinations and emotional honesty.

Possessing completely different personalities, Poppy (Emily Bader) and Alex (Tom Blyth) have built an extraordinary friendship that has resisted distances, changing lives, and failed relationships by spending a one-week vacation together every summer for ten full years. However, a mysterious breaking point between them that severed their relationship put an end to this tradition. Wanting to mend their friendship and confront the feelings she has suppressed for years, Poppy convinces Alex to take one last joint trip. Featuring names such as Sarah Catherine Hook, Lucien Laviscount, Lukas Gage, and Jameela Jamil in its rich ensemble cast, the film focuses on trust, time, and the courage to find that right person who feels like “home,” rather than cheap editing tricks.

Proving once again the massive impact of the “BookTok” community and the literary world on Hollywood, the production garnered great interest from critics and audiences following its release, becoming one of the most popular titles on digital platforms. In addition to securing an “Outstanding Television Movie” nomination at the Primetime Emmy Awards, the film won a total of 4 major award nominations—including the Gold Derby TV Awards and Gotham TV Awards—demonstrating how ambitious the romantic comedy genre can be in prestigious awards seasons. Standing as one of the most refined representatives of the rising “Friends-to-Lovers” trend in cinema, the work whispers the importance of emotional harmony and timing to the viewer.

For viewers who love this emotional and travel-filled atmosphere, there are also great recommendations running in the same vein as the film: My Oxford Year (2026), also adapted from a bestselling novel, which blends travel with emotional growth; The Life List (2025), focusing on personal discovery and romance; Celine Song’s Materialists (2025), which questions the chemistry and timing of modern relationships; the literary-toned romantic comedy Jane Austen Wrecked My Life (2024); and Turtles All the Way Down (2024), which yields a healing love out of a long-standing friendship, offer excellent alternatives for enthusiasts of this genre.

NO-26 Editor’s Viewing Note

• Where to Watch: The film is currently streaming exclusively on Netflix.

• Who Should Watch: A great choice for loyal readers of Emily Henry novels, fans of “slow-burn” love stories that transition from friends to lovers, and viewers who place emotional maturity at the heart of romance.

• Who Should Stay Away: The pace might feel a bit slow for those seeking fast-paced, conflict-heavy action dramas or those expecting instant intrigue rather than patiently constructed character developments.