I just walked out of the theater with this weird, warm feeling in my chest. You know that feeling when you watch something that just gets friendship? I'm sitting here in my car, and I can't stop thinking about that final shot of Poppy and Alex. It wasn't some grand, explosive ending, but it felt so real. I found myself smiling at my steering wheel, replaying their little inside jokes in my head. Honestly, it made me want to text my own best friend from college. It's a quiet movie that leaves a loud echo.
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What's People We Meet on Vacation About?
The movie follows Poppy, a free-spirited travel writer, and Alex, a much more reserved teacher, who have been taking summer trips together for years. After a falling out, they attempt one last vacation to see if they can fix their friendship—and maybe discover if there's something more between them. It's really about the space between 'best friends' and 'something else,' and all the messy, beautiful feelings that live there.
What Works in People We Meet on Vacation
- ✓ The chemistry between Tom Blyth and Emily Bader is fantastic. It's not overly flashy; it's in the comfortable silences and the way they bicker like an old married couple.
- ✓ The non-linear storytelling, jumping between their past trips and the present, actually worked. It felt like flipping through a photo album of their relationship.
- ✓ Jameela Jamil as Poppy's boss is a hilarious scene-stealer. Every line delivery is perfectly dry and witty.
- ✓ The travel cinematography is gorgeous without being a postcard. It makes you feel the sticky heat and the adventure of being somewhere new.
What Doesn't Work
- ✗ The third act has a conflict that felt a bit manufactured to me. I saw the 'big misunderstanding' coming from a mile away.
- ✗ Some of the supporting characters, like Sarah Catherine Hook's role, don't get much to do beyond pushing the main plot forward.
- ✗ At 109 minutes, it drags a tiny bit in the middle when they're wallowing in the awkwardness.
Standout Moments & Performances
There's a scene in a karaoke bar in Croatia from one of their early trips. Alex, who's painfully shy, gets coaxed into singing. Tom Blyth plays it so awkwardly and sweetly, and the look on Emily Bader's face—pure, unadulterated joy and affection—told me everything about their relationship. It stuck with me. Also, a much quieter moment later, where they're just sitting on a dock at sunset, not talking. The director, Brett Haley, held that shot for what felt like forever, and the tension was incredible. I was holding my popcorn, not even chewing.
Main Cast: Tom Blyth, Emily Bader, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jameela Jamil, Lucien Laviscount
Direction, Music & Visuals
Brett Haley's direction is subtle and character-focused. He lets the actors just exist in the frame, which works perfectly for this story. The music is a great mix of nostalgic indie tunes and score that swells at just the right moments without being manipulative. Performance-wise, Emily Bader is a firecracker as Poppy—all chaotic energy—but Tom Blyth is the revelation for me. He makes Alex's quietness compelling, saying volumes with just a look. His performance is the anchor of the whole film.
Director: Brett Haley
Genres: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Who Should Watch People We Meet on Vacation?
If you're a sucker for friends-to-lovers stories, this is absolutely for you. Also, anyone who has a 'person'—a best friend they've traveled with or shared big life moments with—will see a lot of truth here. It's less about grand romantic gestures and more about the intimacy of shared history. Perfect for a cozy, feel-good night out.
Who Might Want to Skip?
If you need fast-paced plots, big twists, or steamy romance, you might find this too slow and tame. It's a character study more than a plot-driven movie, so if that's not your jam, maybe wait for streaming.
Final Verdict
I would definitely recommend it, especially if you go in knowing it's a gentle, character-driven ride. It's not going to reinvent the rom-com, but it executes a classic trope with genuine heart and two lead performances that feel authentic. I left the theater happy. Would I watch it again? Probably on a rainy Sunday when I need that warm, fuzzy feeling. It's a solid, charming film that knows exactly what it is.
