‘People We Meet on Vacation’: Emily Henry’s Beloved Romance Finds a New Home on Netflix This January!

Netflix is starting the new year on a romantic note with the much-awaited adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation, arriving on the streaming platform on January 9. Based on Emily Henry’s internationally bestselling novel, the film marks yet another major literary-to-screen transition that promises to captivate fans of contemporary romance while introducing a broader audience to a story rooted in friendship, longing, and the quiet complexities of love.

Produced by Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Temple Hill Entertainment, the film brings together an impressive cast and creative team to translate the emotional depth of Henry’s novel into a cinematic experience designed for modern audiences. With romance continuing to be one of Netflix’s most successful genres, People We Meet on Vacation arrives at a time when viewers are craving emotionally driven stories that balance charm, vulnerability, and realism.

From Page to Screen: A Bestseller’s Journey

Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation has been a phenomenon since its release, quickly becoming a favorite among romance readers worldwide. The novel’s appeal lies not in grand gestures or melodramatic twists, but in its gentle exploration of two people whose bond evolves quietly over years of shared experiences and missed opportunities.

The story follows Poppy and Alex, two polar opposites who strike up an unlikely friendship in college and go on to take an annual vacation together for a decade. Somewhere along the way, something goes wrong—leading to a painful rift that leaves both characters grappling with unresolved feelings. The narrative unfolds through alternating timelines, capturing both the joy of their shared past and the emotional weight of what was left unsaid.

Netflix’s adaptation aims to preserve this emotional structure, leaning into nostalgia and character-driven storytelling rather than spectacle. It’s a choice that aligns well with the platform’s growing portfolio of relationship-focused films that prioritize emotional authenticity.

Meet the Cast: Bringing the Story to Life

At the heart of the film are Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, who step into the roles of Poppy and Alex respectively. Bader portrays Poppy as an effervescent, restless spirit—someone always chasing the next adventure, destination, or story. Blyth’s Alex, in contrast, is grounded, introspective, and cautious, offering a quiet counterbalance to Poppy’s vibrant energy.

Their dynamic forms the emotional backbone of the film, and early anticipation surrounding the project suggests that their chemistry will be key to the adaptation’s success. The supporting cast further enriches the narrative, featuring Sarah Catherine Hook, Lucien Laviscount, Miles Heizer, Jameela Jamil, Tommy Do, Lukas Gage, Alice Lee, Molly Shannon, and Alan Ruck. Each character contributes to shaping the emotional environment around Poppy and Alex, reflecting different stages of life, love, and personal growth.

The ensemble nature of the film allows for a broader exploration of relationships—romantic, platonic, and familial—adding texture to the central love story.

A Story About Timing, Not Just Love

What sets People We Meet on Vacation apart from conventional romantic films is its emphasis on timing rather than destiny. The story isn’t about whether Poppy and Alex love each other—it’s about whether they can recognize it before it’s too late. Their journey reflects a reality many viewers will find deeply relatable: loving someone at the wrong time, or being afraid to risk a friendship for something more.

The film leans into this emotional tension, portraying love not as a dramatic revelation but as a slow realization shaped by years of shared experiences. This grounded approach gives the story its emotional resonance and makes it stand out in a crowded romantic landscape.

Why Netflix Is the Perfect Platform

Netflix has become a powerhouse for romance adaptations, offering a global stage for stories that might otherwise struggle to find theatrical space. With its ability to reach audiences across cultures and age groups, the platform allows People We Meet on Vacation to resonate with both longtime fans of the novel and viewers discovering the story for the first time.

The streaming format also suits the film’s intimate tone. Rather than relying on box-office spectacle, the story thrives on emotional closeness—something that plays well in the comfort of home viewing. Scenic travel sequences, reflective voice-overs, and quiet conversations are likely to define the film’s visual language.

A Growing Trend of Literary Adaptations

People We Meet on Vacation is part of a larger trend of adapting bestselling romance novels for screen audiences. As streaming platforms compete for emotionally engaging content, books with strong fan bases offer built-in anticipation and visibility. Emily Henry’s work, in particular, has become a gold standard for contemporary romance, blending humor with emotional depth in a way that translates well to visual storytelling.

The success of this adaptation could open doors for more of Henry’s novels to make their way to the screen, further cementing her influence on modern romantic cinema.

Also on the Horizon: ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ Brings Horror Back to Theaters

While romance dominates streaming in early January, theaters are preparing for a chilling contrast with the release of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple on January 16. A continuation of the iconic 28 Days Later universe, the film revisits the post-apocalyptic world that redefined modern zombie cinema.

Known for its raw atmosphere, psychological tension, and social commentary, the 28 franchise has long been celebrated for elevating horror beyond jump scares. The Bone Temple is expected to expand the mythology further, exploring the long-term consequences of survival in a world permanently altered by catastrophe.

Unlike streaming-first releases, this film is designed for the theatrical experience—immersive sound, stark visuals, and a sense of communal fear that only cinema can deliver. Its release signals that horror remains a vital genre in theaters, capable of drawing audiences seeking intense, immersive storytelling.

January’s Diverse Cinematic Landscape

The simultaneous release of People We Meet on Vacation and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple highlights the diversity of modern entertainment. On one end of the spectrum lies a gentle, emotionally rich romance built on conversation and connection; on the other, a stark, unsettling exploration of humanity’s darker instincts.

Together, these films reflect the evolving ways audiences consume stories—choosing between comfort viewing at home and immersive theatrical experiences based on mood and genre. January 2025 thus begins with a balanced cinematic offering that caters to both the heart and the nerves.

Conclusion: Stories for Every Kind of Viewer

As People We Meet on Vacation prepares to debut on Netflix, it carries with it the expectations of millions of readers who found comfort, joy, and reflection in Emily Henry’s novel. With its talented cast, thoughtful adaptation, and emotionally resonant themes, the film is poised to become one of the year’s standout romance releases on streaming.

Meanwhile, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple ensures that theaters remain a destination for bold, visceral storytelling, reminding audiences of the power of the big screen.

Together, these releases underscore an encouraging truth about contemporary cinema: there is still room for both quiet love stories and loud, unsettling horror—each offering its own form of escape, reflection, and emotional engagement.