Emily Henry’s novel “People We Meet on Vacation” has been adapted into a lighthearted rom-com film that has sparked mixed reactions among critics and fans. The movie follows the story of Poppy and Alex, played by Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, as they embark on an annual vacation together and navigate their growing feelings for each other. While author Emily Henry expressed her pride in seeing her work come to life on the big screen, the film has received both praise and criticism from viewers.
Director Brett Haley’s vision for the film has been commended by some, but others have found fault in the adaptation, suggesting that the story would have been better suited for a limited series format. Despite receiving a “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, some critics have criticized the film for its lack of depth and character development. Reviewers from outlets like The A.V. Club and Roger Ebert’s have described the movie as generic and lacking in originality.
On the other hand, some critics have praised the film for its entertainment value and heartwarming moments. Screen Rant called it a “wildly entertaining and heartwarming romantic comedy” that is perfect for fans of the genre. NPR’s “Pop Culture Happy Hour” podcast also had positive things to say about the film, noting that it is a pleasant watch for a weekend afternoon.
When it comes to audience reactions, opinions are divided. While some viewers have praised the chemistry between the lead actors and enjoyed the feel-good nature of the film, others have criticized it for deviating from the original novel and leaving out key elements. One fan described the movie as a “great standalone adaptation” with beautiful character development, while another highlighted the charming dynamic between Poppy and Alex.
Overall, “People We Meet on Vacation” has sparked a range of responses from critics and fans alike. While some have found it to be a delightful and heartwarming romantic comedy, others have criticized it for its lack of depth and character development. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or a reader of Emily Henry’s original novel, the film offers a mix of entertaining moments and emotional depth that may leave viewers divided in their opinions.
The highly anticipated movie, based on Emily Henry’s 2021 novel, premiered on Netflix on January 9. “People We Meet on Vacation” follows the story of two polar opposite characters, Poppy (played by Emily Bader) and Alex (played by Tom Blyth), as they embark on a life-changing trip home.
The film has received mixed reviews from viewers, with some expressing their desire for the story to be adapted into a series to allow for a deeper exploration of the characters. One viewer commented, “Couldn’t shake the feeling that ‘People We Meet on Vacation’ would have worked better as a series (an episode for every vacation) allowing us more time to fall for Poppy and Alex so the emotional weight felt heavier when needed but still a fun watch.” Another viewer echoed this sentiment, stating, “I watched ‘People We Meet on Vacation’ and I agree, it needed to be a series. You finish the movie wanting more. There are so many questions unanswered. I need more Poppy and Alex.”
Despite these criticisms, others found the movie to be a perfect watch, praising the chemistry and emotional depth between Poppy and Alex. One viewer expressed their enjoyment, saying, “People we meet on vacation was so good like the tension and emotional vulnerability between Poppy and Alex. The movie actually held a candle to the book.”
For those eager to watch the film, “People We Meet on Vacation” is currently available for streaming on Netflix. Whether you prefer a series format or a standalone movie, the story of Poppy and Alex is sure to capture your heart and take you on a memorable journey through love and self-discovery.
