Emily Henry has established herself as a prominent voice in the world of romantic comedies, often referred to as the queen of the genre. With several of her novels—including Beach Read, Book Lovers, Funny Story, and Happy Place—currently being adapted for film, the excitement around her work has only increased. This past Friday marked the streaming debut of the much-anticipated adaptation of her novel People We Meet on Vacation on Netflix.
The film’s adaptation was spearheaded by writers Yulin Kuang, Amos Vernon, and Nunzio Randazzo, who recognized the cultural significance of Henry’s work early on in the process. According to Vernon, Henry’s novels “loom large in culture.” Kuang echoed this sentiment, admitting that the intensity of fan anticipation was both daunting and motivating. The writers felt a strong sense of responsibility to portray the characters Alex and Poppy as fans envision them, while still bringing a fresh perspective to the adaptation.
The film stars Emily Bader as the adventurous Poppy and Tom Blyth as the more reserved Alex. Their story follows two lifelong friends whose deep bond is tested after a significant fallout, forcing them to face their true feelings for one another. Directed by Brett Haley, the film plays with the friends-to-lovers trope, drawing parallels to classic romantic comedies like When Harry Met Sally, which Kuang cites as a major influence on the film’s romantic elements. She noted that the movie aims to explore timeless themes of love, friendship, and the complexities of relationships that remain relevant today.
In adapting the story, the team aimed to balance between staying faithful to the essence of the book while also making necessary alterations for cinematic storytelling. Essential scenes, such as Alex caring for a sick Poppy and a humorous moment with Poppy’s mother, played by Molly Shannon, were carefully woven into the film to satisfy both fans of the book and new audiences alike. Emily Henry herself entrusted the writers with creative freedom, hoping that the adaptation would resonate with viewers, encouraging them to explore the source material further.
As they crafted the screenplay, the writers acknowledged the challenge of creating a rom-com that effectively captured the emotional nuances of the original narrative. Kuang humorously referred to the project as an “emotional thriller,” emphasizing the need to maintain suspense about the couple’s romantic fate, reflective of real-life relationships.
Their effort resulted in a dynamic portrayal of Poppy and Alex, reflecting modern friendship and romantic tensions. Throughout the film, viewers witness the protagonists grapple with their feelings in relatable ways, anchored by beautifully crafted dialogues and engaging performances. This new adaptation aims not only to entertain but also to resonate deeply, drawing audiences into the characters’ emotional journeys.
As the film unfolds, the connection between Poppy and Alex evolves amid beautiful scenery and poignant moments. The adaptation captures the essence of pursuing love while weighing the risk of potentially disrupting a treasured friendship.
People We Meet on Vacation, now available to stream on Netflix, successfully introduces a new generation to the charm of Henry’s work while promising to delight both fans of the book and newcomers to her world of romantic storytelling. The creative team’s collaborative spirit and respect for the source material shine through, making this a hopeful and heartfelt addition to the rom-com landscape.