People We Meet on Vacation
The brief
Brett Haley turns Emily Henry's beloved rom-com novel into a sun-soaked meditation on timing and friendship that feels more like *Before Sunrise* than *The Kissing Booth*. Emily Bader and Tom Blyth have genuine chemistry that builds slowly across gorgeous vacation backdrops, but the nearly two-hour runtime lets some scenes meander when they should snap with tension. The will-they-won't-they dynamic works because both actors sell the genuine friendship underneath all the romantic possibility. Perfect for anyone who loved *The Half of It* or thinks most romantic comedies rush to the finish line too quickly.
The verdict
If you crave romantic comedies that prioritize emotional depth and slow-burn chemistry over quick laughs and predictable beats, this thoughtful adaptation delivers genuine intimacy against stunning backdrops. If you prefer snappy pacing and can't sit through nearly two hours of will-they-won't-they tension, the meandering runtime will test your patience.
Watch with
- 👫 Perfect date night viewing
- 👥 Great for rom-com fans
- ⚠️ May feel slow for action seekers
Heads up
- Brief romantic tension and yearning (brief)
- Some drinking in vacation settings (brief)
Credits
- Director
- Brett Haley
- Cast
- Emily Bader, Tom Blyth, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jameela Jamil, Miles Heizer, Tommy Do, Lucien Laviscount
Official synopsis
Poppy's a free spirit. Alex loves a plan. After years of summer vacations, these polar-opposite pals wonder
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Dirty Dancing (1987)
Both explore romance blooming during transformative vacation experiences with opposites attracting.
Total runtime: 1h 56m + 1h 40m = 3h 36m
