A Trip That Never Takes Off: Netflix's Latest Romcom Falls Flat

People We Meet on Vacation arrives just in time for the cold weather, promising a warm escape. The film, based on Emily Henry's popular novel, has all the right ingredients on the surface. It's got a glossy production, a catchy soundtrack, and a premise that could have been exciting. But, sadly, it falls short of expectations.

The Story

The story follows Alex and Poppy, played by Tom Blyth and Emily Bader. They meet on a road trip and decide to take a vacation together every year. The film jumps between their past trips and the present, where Poppy is preparing to see Alex again at his brother's wedding in Barcelona.

This structure could have allowed for a deep exploration of their relationship. But, it doesn't. Instead, we get a series of clichéd scenes:

• Karaoke
• Pretending to be married
• Skinny-dipping
• Drunken mishaps

It's all been done before, and it's not done well here.

The Characters

Poppy is a character straight out of a romcom handbook. She's clumsy, messy, and always late. Alex, on the other hand, is nervous and rule-following. They're opposites, but their dynamic doesn't feel genuine.

Poppy's so-called "adorkable" scrappiness is forced and unconvincing. When she finally starts to feel more relatable, it's too little, too late. Emily Bader tries her best, but she's not believable in this role. Tom Blyth, unfortunately, is strangely absent.

The Script and Direction

The script, written by Yulin Kuang, Amos Vernon, and Nunzio Randazzo, fails to explain why Alex and Poppy aren't together from the start. Every attempt to keep them apart feels strained.

Director Brett Haley, who previously made the charming Hearts Beat Loud, seems to have lost his touch. This film is his third misfire in a row.

The Verdict

People We Meet on Vacation is about wanderlust and romance. It should be a fun escape, especially during these cold months. But, it's not. It's a slog. It's a missed opportunity, a trip that never takes off.