Netflix has released a new romantic comedy, “People We Meet on Vacation,” just as winter takes hold, making it a well-timed offering for those yearning for a sun-soaked escape. The film, produced as part of Netflix’s deal with Sony, features a polished production quality that certainly enhances its appeal. However, despite its inviting visuals and a soundtrack that features Polo & Pan’s breezy track, the film unfortunately falls short when it comes to deeper emotional engagement.
Based on Emily Henry’s popular 2021 novel, the film appears to tick all the boxes of a conventional romantic comedy, complete with charming leads and a touched-up reality. Yet, the essence that creates a heartfelt connection is lacking. The film attempts to emulate classic romantic narratives such as “When Harry Met Sally,” but where that iconic film felt authentic and insightful, “People We Meet on Vacation” comes across as superficial and formulaic.
The storyline centers on Alex and Poppy, played by Tom Blyth and Emily Bader, who establish a tradition of vacationing together every year, serving as a backdrop for their evolving relationship. However, while the premise has potential, the execution does not delve into the depth or nuance needed to make their journey compelling. The film skips through various vacations, but the scenes lack meaningful detail, offering instead a collection of cliché moments that fail to resonate.
Poppy’s character embodies a mix of romcom tropes that often feel more contrived than charming. Her persona as a carefree, quirky individual stands in stark contrast to Alex, who plays the cautious and orderly counterpart. This opposites-attract dynamic could be appealing in theory, yet their chemistry feels forced and uninspired. Bader shows glimpses of a more relatable character, but the script’s lack of authenticity hinders her performance, despite some commendable efforts.
Screenwriters Yulin Kuang, along with Amos Vernon and Nunzio Randazzo, struggle to create a believable narrative arc that explains why Poppy and Alex do not pursue a romantic connection sooner. The attempts at comedy and tension come off as strained and unconvincing, leaving a sense of frustration for viewers. Director Brett Haley’s previous work has shown he can infuse genuine emotion into stories, but “People We Meet on Vacation” marks another missed opportunity after earlier misfired projects.
Admittedly, the film had the potential to be an enjoyable exploration of love and adventure. Instead, it feels like a tedious journey, missing the joyous escape one hopes to find in the world of romantic comedies. While Netflix continues to produce these tales of love, the hope remains that future adaptations will delve deeper into their characters and stories, providing viewers with the heartfelt narratives they desire.