People We Meet on Vacation Sets a New Bar for Netflix Rom-Coms
Netflix’s latest romantic comedy, People We Meet on Vacation, stands out from the crowd with its sharp direction, genuine chemistry, and a refreshing take on familiar tropes. Find out what makes it a must-watch.
Netflix is no stranger to churning out romantic comedies, especially those aimed at younger viewers. On the surface, People We Meet on Vacation might seem like just another addition to the endless stream of new releases. But this one manages to break away from the pack, thanks to a sharp director and a cast that brings real spark to the screen.
Plot and Characters
Based on Emily Henry’s well-known young adult novel, the story follows two unlikely mates who catch up for a week each summer, only to realise there might be more between them than friendship. While the premise isn’t exactly reinventing the wheel, the film finds ways to set itself apart from the usual fare.
The leads, played by Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, are instantly likeable. The film leans into the small, everyday moments rather than going for big, over-the-top drama, which helps punters feel like they’re really getting to know the characters. Although the story is told mostly from her perspective, Blyth’s character isn’t left in the background—he gets his own moments that flesh him out nicely.
On-Screen Chemistry and Performances
What really makes this film stand out is the chemistry between Bader and Blyth. Unlike many rom-com pairings that feel like they’ve been put together by a committee, these two actually build up their connection over time. It doesn’t feel forced or rushed, which is a rare treat in the streaming era.
Both leads hold their own, too. Bader brings a natural charm to her role, keeping things fresh without trying too hard. Blyth, meanwhile, seems to be having a good time, showing a side of himself that’s a bit different from what we’ve seen before, but never out of place.
Supporting Cast and Direction
The supporting cast is another highlight. Familiar faces like Lukas Gage, Jameela Jamil, Alan Ruck, and Molly Shannon pop in for a scene or two, delivering laughs without overshadowing the main duo. It’s a nod to the classic rom-coms of the ’80s and ’90s, where side characters added flavour without taking over.
Director Brett Haley keeps things steady and confident, steering clear of flashy tricks. The film looks good, avoiding the overly bright, polished look that’s become common in the genre. The soundtrack hits the right notes without feeling like it’s just there to cash in on nostalgia.
Pacing and Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing holding the film back, it’s the runtime. At nearly two hours, it does start to drag a bit, testing the limits of what a rom-com can get away with. Given the episodic feel of the story, trimming a sequence or two could have made it a much tighter watch.
Still, compared to the usual Netflix offerings, this one feels like a breath of fresh air. It shows what can happen when you put a real director at the helm and let the cast do their thing. If more romantic comedies on the platform were made with this much care, maybe they wouldn’t be so easily forgotten.
People We Meet on Vacation streams on Netflix from 9 January.