The wait is finally over for “Henry-heads” and romance aficionados worldwide. As of January 9, 2026, the highly anticipated film adaptation of Emily Henry’s bestselling novel, People We Meet on Vacation, has officially made its global debut on Netflix.
Marking a historic milestone for the author, this project is the first of several planned Emily Henry adaptations to reach the screen. Directed by Brett Haley and starring rising talents Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, the film has already begun trending at the top of Netflix’s most-watched lists, proving that the “friends-to-lovers” trope remains as potent as ever.
From the Page to the Screen: The Long-Awaited Debut
People We Meet on Vacation, originally published in 2021, became a literary sensation during the height of the “BookTok” boom. It spent weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list and solidified Emily Henry’s reputation as the modern queen of the rom-com.
The story follows the complicated, decade-long friendship of Poppy Wright and Alex Nilsen. Despite being polar opposites—Poppy is a chaotic, free-spirited travel writer based in New York City, while Alex is a reserved, khaki-wearing teacher in their small Ohio hometown—they spend every summer taking one week-long vacation together.
The Netflix adaptation captures this essence perfectly, navigating the “will-they-won’t-they” tension that builds over twelve years of shared road trips, flight delays, and “one-bed-left” hotel mishaps.
The Perfect Pairing: Casting Poppy and Alex
One of the most praised aspects of the new Netflix original is the undeniable chemistry between its leads:
- Emily Bader (Poppy Wright): Known for her breakout role in My Lady Jane, Bader brings a “fiery, enthusiastic” energy to Poppy. She perfectly balances the character’s outward confidence with the internal vulnerability of someone afraid to be “too much” for the people she loves.
- Tom Blyth (Alex Nilsen): Fresh off his success in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Blyth transforms into the dependable, routine-loving Alex. His performance has been lauded for capturing Alex’s quiet longing and dry humor.
The supporting cast is equally stellar, featuring Lukas Gage (as Buck, the water-taxi driver), Jameela Jamil (as Poppy’s boss, Swapna), and the hilarious duo of Molly Shannon and Alan Ruck as Poppy’s eccentric parents.
A Global Adventure: The Filming Locations
True to its title, the film is a visual feast of international travel. While the novel’s climax famously takes place in Palm Springs, the movie introduces a refreshing change of scenery for its finale.
| Trip Location | Significance in the Film |
| Squamish, Canada | The site of their first awkward “it speaks to me” camping trip. |
| New Orleans | A high-energy trip featuring a viral-worthy dance to Paula Abdul’s “Forever Your Girl.” |
| Tuscany, Italy | The emotional turning point where unresolved feelings begin to bubble over. |
| Barcelona, Spain | The breathtaking setting for Alex’s brother’s wedding and the film’s big finale. |
Production designer Bruce Curtis revealed that while the film spans the globe, much of the “international” footage was cleverly filmed on location in Spain and New Orleans, using the diverse architecture to stand in for various destinations.
Book vs. Movie: What’s Different?
Every adaptation requires some trimming, and People We Meet on Vacation is no exception. Fans of the book will notice a few key adjustments:
- The Finale Location: The shift from the sweltering heat of Palm Springs to the romantic backdrop of Barcelona was a “practical and creative” choice made by director Brett Haley to give the film a more cinematic scope.
- Condensed Timeline: To keep the runtime at a crisp 1 hour and 49 minutes, some of the minor trips (like Nashville and Vail) were omitted or combined into larger sequences.
- Expanded Supporting Roles: The film gives more screen time to Alex and Poppy’s significant others, creating a more traditional rom-com “love triangle” dynamic that heightens the stakes.
Despite these changes, Emily Henry herself served as an Executive Producer and has given the film her full seal of approval. After the LA premiere on January 6, Henry told reporters she felt a “huge sigh of relief” seeing how faithfully the movie captured the spirit of Alex and Poppy’s bond.
Why This is Only the Beginning for Emily Henry Fans
The success of People We Meet on Vacation is a massive win for Netflix and Sony Pictures, who have a first-look deal for Henry’s work. This release officially kicks off what fans are calling the “Emily Henry Cinematic Universe.”
With People We Meet on Vacation now streaming, the focus shifts to future projects:
- Happy Place: Recently confirmed to be switching from a TV series to a Netflix film, produced by Jennifer Lopez.
- Funny Story: Also landing at Netflix, with Emily Henry herself writing the screenplay.
- Beach Read: An adaptation in development at 20th Century Studios.
Summary for Fans
- Release Date: January 9, 2026
- Where to Watch: Exclusively on Netflix
- Runtime: 109 Minutes
- Rating: PG-13 (for some suggestive material and language)
Whether you’ve read the book ten times or are meeting Alex and Poppy for the first time, People We Meet on Vacation is the ultimate “comfort watch.” It’s a love letter to travel, friendship, and the idea that “home” isn’t a place, but the person who lets you be your truest self.