People We Meet on Vacation: The “Silly” R-Rated Scene Emily Henry Refused to Cut

When a beloved book gets the Hollywood treatment, fans often brace themselves for the inevitable changes. Characters get merged, subplots vanish, and sometimes the tone shifts entirely. But for the Netflix adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation, author Emily Henry made sure one specific, delightfully awkward moment made the leap from page to screen: a scene involving a very large box of condoms.

While much of the conversation around the film has focused on the chemistry between the leads or the toning down of the book’s steamier intimate scenes, Henry recently revealed that she fought to keep a different kind of “adult” content in the script. The scene in question isn’t a romantic climax, but a comedic one. It features the protagonist, Poppy, and her well-meaning but boundary-crossing parents, played by comedy veterans Molly Shannon and Alan Ruck.

In the film, just before Poppy and Alex head off on their first major trip together to Squamish, Poppy’s mother attempts to give her daughter an industrial-sized box of condoms. It is a moment of pure, cringe-inducing hilarity that highlights the chaotic energy of Poppy’s family. Henry insisted that this “silly” 18-rated exchange remain in the final cut, arguing that it was essential for establishing the comedic tone and the specific dynamic of Poppy’s upbringing. The scene allows Shannon and Ruck to flex their improvisational muscles, delivering one of the movie’s funniest and most memorable segments.

This inclusion stands in contrast to other changes made for the adaptation. Director Brett Haley and the production team actually opted to soften the explicit nature of the book’s romantic intimacy, aiming for a tone more consistent with classic rom-coms like When Harry Met Sally. Henry herself admitted that while the actors filmed a “Titanic-level” love scene that was incredibly raw and emotional, it ultimately didn’t fit the final cut of the movie. However, the awkward condom hand-off—a different flavor of “adult” content—was deemed indispensable by the author for its comedic value.

Behind the Scenes: The Stars and The Future

For those just catching up, People We Meet on Vacation landed on Netflix in early January 2026 and quickly climbed the streaming charts. The story follows Poppy and Alex, two best friends who couldn’t be more different—she’s a chaotic travel writer, he’s a buttoned-up teacher—who take one week every summer to vacation together.

The film stars Emily Bader as the vibrant Poppy. Bader has been having a breakout moment recently; audiences might recognize her from her starring role in the satirical fantasy series My Lady Jane, where she showcased her ability to balance wit with period-piece drama.

Opposite her is Tom Blyth as the reserved Alex. Blyth recently shot to global stardom playing the young Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. His role in People We Meet on Vacation marks a significant departure from playing a future tyrannical dictator, allowing him to step into the softer, more vulnerable shoes of a romantic lead.

This movie is just the beginning of the “Emily Henry Cinematic Universe.” The author has become a literary sensation, and Hollywood has taken note. Adaptations for her other bestsellers, including Beach Read, Book Lovers, and Funny Story, are currently in various stages of development. Henry is heavily involved in these projects, even penning the screenplays for some of the upcoming adaptations herself, ensuring her distinct voice remains intact.

With the film now streaming, fans can judge for themselves whether the balance of heart, humor, and awkward parental encounters does justice to the novel.

We want to know what you think—did the movie capture the magic of the book for you, or did you miss the scenes that were cut? Share your thoughts in the comments.