"The People We Meet on Vacation" is a natural and heartfelt romantic comedy that was just released on Jan. 9, 2026. This uplifting film captures the beauty of connection, timing and personal growth as experienced through two characters navigating their life and love across years of shared adventures. Directed by Brett Haley, the film combines realistic endeavors with themes of passion, confidence and staying true to oneself. From beginning to end, this film takes the audience on a compelling journey that lasts long after the movie ends.
The heart of the story is tailored to the main character, Poppy, whose vibrant, spontaneous and endlessly engaging personality contributes to the success of the film. Her individualistic ways of communication and humor instantly capture the audience’s attention, making her both entertaining and deeply relatable to the viewers.
In contrast, the film’s other protagonist, Alex, embodies an entirely different set of qualities. He is introverted, disciplined and reserved, often hesitant to expose his emotions to others. This contrast between the two characters creates a dynamic and compelling relationship that truly helps anchor the film.
Poppy and Alex meet while attending the same college after forming a carpool to travel back to their shared hometown in Ohio. After meeting each other, it was clear that their creative differences and habits were quite different, if not the direct opposite of each other. Despite these differences, however, the two quickly formed a strong friendship, learning to slowly appreciate each other’s strengths and weaknesses. As the film unfolds, the romantic comedy takes shape when Poppy and Alex plan annual one-week vacation trips each summer. Traveling together as platonic travel companions, they explore dream destinations, creating lifelong memories.
This film was a special watch – one crafted to entrap the readers in an adventurous fantasy that is not only relatable but hopeful. The characters Poppy and Alex bond over shared experiences and vacations throughout the movie, initially starting out as merely acquaintances, and ultimately progressing to partners by fate. Each protagonist's personality could not be more opposite from one another, an element that the author employed to make the plot unprecedented, with many twists and turns.
The producers wove many stories and flashbacks throughout the movie, which captured the viewers’ attention and increased a sense of perspective as the audience watched these two platonic travel companions on their vacations start to grow closer to one another. Through each shared experience – from embarking on Alex’s dream trip to Canada, to Alex spontaneously taking care of Poppy after their Norway trip was cancelled – the two characters grew to know each other emotionally.
With their friendship came constant respect for one another, however the viewers could still sense there was a tension that kept the two together, experiencing memories and fun. It’s clear that their personalities highlighted each other. Poppy, a vibrant, energetic, and semi-naïve young woman, becomes friends with Alex, who is an extremely introverted, innocent, and reluctant person.
Although they both went through relationships many times and were committed to significant others, it was clear they always enjoyed spending time with each other more than their significant others. The producers foreshadowed their stronger connections throughout the film, as they kept their commitment to a tradition of going on annual trips no matter the circumstance or year.
Visually and emotionally, the romantic comedy maintains a bright and engaging storyline, beginning with how the two characters met, and then ending with plot twists and considerable growth that is shown through their older selves.
After seeing the ending, I would rate this film a 9/10.
Overall, "The People We Met on Vacation" is a balanced and rewarding film that offers hope and encouragement to its audience. It reminds viewers that the people we meet often shape us more profoundly than the destinations we travel to, making this romantic comedy both meaningful and relatable. It is available to watch on Netflix.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
