People We Meet on Vacation is a new romantic comedy set to premiere on Netflix on January 9. Adapted from Emily Henry’s bestselling 2021 novel and directed by Brett Haley, the film stars Emily Bader, Tom Blyth, Lukas Gage, Jameela Jamil, Alan Ruck, and Molly Shannon. It follows free-spirited Poppy and routine-loving Alex—unlikely best friends and longtime travel companions—who, after a decade of shared adventures, begin to question whether their connection might be something more.

The last time I saw a rom-com marketed this early was for last year’s You’re Cordially Invited, a film I ultimately didn’t care for. That movie was also sent straight to streaming and, like this one, featured a cast I genuinely liked. Because of that experience, I approached People We Meet on Vacation with cautious optimism. Emily Bader and Tom Blyth have both made strong impressions recently—Bader in My Lady Jane and Blyth in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes—which gave me hope the film could rise above my expectations.

Lo and behold, it did more than that. People We Meet on Vacation turns out to be one of the best rom-coms I’ve seen in recent memory.

When I pressed play, I was surprised to see the runtime clock in at nearly two hours. For a film that initially seemed this simple, a 1 hour and 57 minute runtime made me groan. Rom-coms aren’t even my favorite genre to begin with, and too often they feel like a rinse-and-repeat of what’s come before. Yet despite my reservations, I found myself completely hooked.

Historically, films like When Harry Met Sally… reshaped the genre by making it feel more grounded and emotionally accessible, and I can confidently say People We Meet on Vacation achieves something similar. Based on the title alone, I expected a movie that leaned heavily into rom-com clichés. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by how fresh and original it felt.

Although the film is adapted from a novel, I’m judging it solely on its cinematic merits. I can’t speak to how faithful it is to the source material, but what’s on screen is undeniably compelling. Told largely from Poppy’s perspective, the story invites us to see the world through her eyes. Emily Bader’s charismatic charm makes it impossible not to be drawn in, further highlighting why the cancellation of My Lady Jane remains such a disappointment.

Enter Tom Blyth, who serves as the perfect counterbalance. Where Bader is adventurous and outgoing, Blyth’s Alex is reserved and cautious. Together, their chemistry feels natural and earned. While the film’s themes of soulmates and destiny are clearly telegraphed, it’s the specific situations the two find themselves in—and how they navigate them—that keep the film consistently engaging and entertaining.

Even with its lengthy runtime, the film reflects a clear level of care from both the cast and the creative team behind the camera, all working to deliver something genuinely entertaining and memorable. I’m not typically a fan of flashbacks, but here they feel essential—filling in narrative gaps while actively contributing to the characters’ growth. Through them, we can clearly see how much Bader’s character has evolved from past to present. While the runtime may occasionally be felt, the film consistently rewards your patience with engaging and emotionally satisfying moments.

The humor is another standout, landing in a way that feels natural and earned rather than forced. Instead of chasing punchlines, the film leans into the awkwardness between these two characters, using impeccable timing to let their chemistry shine. Small details and bits of information are carefully sprinkled throughout, later paying off in ways that deepen both the story and the characters themselves. Because of how grounded and authentic they feel, it’s easy to see pieces of ourselves in each of them—and that relatability is what ultimately makes the film resonate.

Director Brett Haley transitions into more mainstream territory with an ease that should undoubtedly open the door to many similar opportunities. The confidence he has in his material is evident in how he allows Bader and Blyth to play off one another, trusting them to carry the film from beginning to end. Unfortunately, the supporting cast doesn’t quite rise to the same level. Despite featuring talents like Jameela Jamil, Lukas Cage, Alan Ruck, and Molly Shannon, the film doesn’t fully utilize them. While a few are given brief comedic moments, most feel underdeveloped and exist primarily to move the story along. The film could have benefited from spending more time fleshing out these characters.

Working with a reported $14.3 million budget, the film looks far better than expected. From its production and costume design to its cinematography, every element feels carefully crafted and visually appealing. Each location is vividly realized, creating an immersive experience that genuinely makes you want to travel more. With its modest budget and strong lead performances, the film has all the ingredients to become a breakout hit—and one of the year’s most pleasant surprises.

Overall, People We Meet on Vacation is a warm, relatable surprise. The two leads share an electrifying chemistry that makes it easy to stay invested in their journey from beginning to end, and this film should serve as a strong stepping stone toward even bigger opportunities for both. While the pacing occasionally drags and parts of the supporting cast are underutilized, there’s no denying the film’s charm. It stands out as a genuinely delightful surprise—especially for a January release.

VERDICT: 4/5 – Great