Released just as the cold weather hits, Netflix’s romcom People We Meet on Vacation tries to provide an escape. With vibrant production quality and a catchy soundtrack, it looks promising. Yet, it falls flat in emotional depth.
This film is based on Emily Henry’s popular 2021 novel and tries to capture the charm of classic romantic comedies. However, while it checks off the expected tropes—quirky characters and nostalgic settings—it lacks the heart that makes these stories resonate. It’s hard to connect with characters that feel more like clichés than real people.
The film follows Alex and Poppy, who make a pact to vacation together every year despite their busy lives. Their journey flips between dreamy summer escapades and the present, where they reunite at a wedding in Barcelona. This concept holds potential for rich storytelling, but the execution feels rushed and superficial. Instead of meaningful dialogue and character development, we get overused scenarios—karaoke nights, accidental skinny-dipping, and forced slapstick humor.
Poppy, played by Emily Bader, embodies an outdated romantic trope: the messy, adventurous woman pitted against a buttoned-up man. This dynamic could work well, but their chemistry feels artificial. Bader’s performance shows promise, yet her character shifts from quirky to stereotypical far too easily. Tom Blyth’s portrayal of Alex is equally uninspired, as he seems absent for much of the film.
The script, penned by Yulin Kuang and others, struggles to justify Poppy and Alex’s long wait for romance. This lack of believable tension makes their eventual connection feel unearned.
Experts in storytelling, like renowned screenwriter William Goldman, often stress that relatability and authenticity are crucial in connecting with an audience. Unfortunately, People We Meet on Vacation misses the mark on both counts.
In a time when audiences crave genuine narratives, romcoms should offer a breath of fresh air. This film, marketed as the perfect escape, ends up feeling like more of a slog than a fun getaway.
Netflix’s romcom landscape is becoming crowded, with diverse stories in demand. Recent statistics show that romantic comedies are making a comeback, especially as viewers seek comfort in familiar genres. However, creating something fresh and engaging is essential. As fans of the genre look forward to better offerings, People We Meet on Vacation may remind us of what we’re missing—authenticity, relatable characters, and genuine emotion.
For additional insights on the evolution of romantic comedies, check out this report from the Harvard Business Review.
