People We Meet on Vacation: Netflix’s Rom-Com Triumph

Romantic comedies have become something of a staple in Netflix’s ever-expanding catalogue, particularly those targeting younger viewers. On first glance, People We Meet on Vacation might seem like just another addition to the weekly line-up, but there’s more going on beneath the surface. The film, adapted from Emily Henry’s much-loved young adult novel, benefits from a director and cast who know exactly what they’re doing.

Unlikely Friends, Familiar Territory

The story follows two rather mismatched individuals who, for years, have made a tradition of spending a week together each summer. Predictably, their annual getaways lead to the realisation that perhaps they’re meant for each other. While the premise treads familiar ground, the execution is anything but routine. The film manages to carve out its own identity, sidestepping the clichés that often plague the genre.

What really sets this one apart is the attention to the quieter, more intimate moments. Instead of relying on grand gestures or melodramatic twists, the narrative lingers on the small details that make the characters feel properly lived-in. The female lead’s perspective is front and centre, but her counterpart isn’t left in the background—he’s given space to develop, too, which is a refreshing change.

Cast Chemistry and Standout Performances

Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, as the central pair, share a rapport that feels unforced and authentic. Unlike many on-screen couples who seem to have been paired by committee, their connection builds gradually, never rushing to convince the audience. It’s a rare thing in the streaming era, where instant chemistry is often faked or overplayed.

Individually, both leads hold their own. Bader brings a certain charm to her role, not reinventing the genre but certainly making it her own. Blyth, meanwhile, appears to be enjoying himself, offering a performance that’s both relaxed and engaging. The supporting cast—Lukas Gage, Jameela Jamil, Alan Ruck, and Molly Shannon—pop in for brief but memorable appearances, never overshadowing the main duo but adding a touch of wit and energy reminiscent of classic rom-coms from the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Direction, Style, and Pacing

Brett Haley’s direction is confident without being showy. The film avoids the overly glossy look that’s become standard for the genre, opting instead for a more natural visual style. The soundtrack, while occasionally a bit on the nose, steers clear of the usual nostalgia traps and doesn’t pander to the audience.

One area where the film stumbles is its length. At nearly two hours, it does begin to test the patience, especially given the episodic structure. Trimming a sequence or two would have tightened things up considerably, making for a brisker, more focused experience.

Refreshing the Netflix Formula

Despite its minor flaws, People We Meet on Vacation is a welcome change from the conveyor belt of romantic comedies that seem to appear on Netflix every other week. There’s something to be said for putting a proper director at the helm—what results is a film that feels crafted rather than churned out. If more of these productions were handled with this level of care, perhaps they wouldn’t be so easily forgotten in the endless scroll.

People We Meet on Vacation streams on Netflix beginning January 9.