Netflix’s Latest Rom-Com Sensation Hits 88% on Rotten Tomatoes – Here’s Why Critics Are Swooning

The genre of romantic comedy has officially entered its renaissance era, and Netflix is leading the charge with its latest release. A new film has just landed on the streaming giant, and it is already making waves among critics and audiences alike. Titled People We Meet on Vacation, the movie has debuted with a stellar 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes, a rarity for the genre which often struggles to woo the critical establishment.

Based on the beloved best-selling novel by Emily Henry, the film promises to deliver exactly what fans of the book have been clamoring for. It is the very first feature-length adaptation of Henry’s work, a fact that has generated immense anticipation in literary circles, particularly within the passionate “BookTok” community on TikTok. For years, readers have fan-cast these roles in their heads, and now the verdict is finally in.

The story follows the classic “friends-to-lovers” trope, centering on two polar opposites: Poppy and Alex. Poppy, played by the effervescent Emily Bader, is a wild child with an insatiable wanderlust and a love for the unpredictable. Conversely, Alex, portrayed by Tom Blyth, is a creature of habit who finds comfort in routine and wears khakis without irony. Despite their differences, they have maintained an unlikely best friendship for a decade.

Their dynamic is anchored by a shared tradition: every summer, they take a one-week vacation together. These trips have been the glue holding their friendship together through various life changes, relationships, and geographic distance. However, the film picks up after a mysterious falling out that led to two years of silence between the pair.

Determined to fix things, Poppy convinces Alex to take one more trip with her to Palm Springs. What follows is a heartwarming and often hilarious exploration of unspoken feelings, missed opportunities, and the terrifying risk of ruining a friendship for the chance at something more. It asks the age-old question that has haunted rom-coms since When Harry Met Sally: can men and women truly just be friends?

Critics seem to believe that People We Meet on Vacation answers this question with style and charm. Reviews have highlighted the palpable chemistry between Bader and Blyth as the film’s strongest asset. The Hollywood Reporter noted that while the film has its flaws, it succeeds where it matters most, praising the lead actors for carrying the emotional weight of the story effortlessly.

Variety offered a glowing comparison, suggesting the film pays an optimistic homage to When Harry Met Sally, engaging with the complexities of platonic love turning romantic. Meanwhile, Deadline stated that this adaptation sets a remarkably high bar for future Emily Henry projects, lauding the visual direction and the stellar ensemble cast. Even the typically reserved New York Times admitted the film offered “witty dialogue,” though they found it slightly more forgettable than other entries in the genre.

For those who follow the source material, Collider reassured fans that the adaptation remains faithful to the book’s spirit. They specifically pointed out that while the movie might not reach the “devastatingly anxious” emotional depths of Henry’s writing, it captures the longing glances and key scenes perfectly. The review highlighted a climactic rain sequence that hits all the right visual and emotional notes.

Meet the Cast and Creative Team

For viewers who might be scrambling to IMDb the faces on their screen, the leads are quickly becoming household names. Tom Blyth recently skyrocketed to global fame with his role as the young Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Seeing him pivot from a future tyrant to a khaki-wearing romantic lead demonstrates a versatility that has industry insiders buzzing.

Blyth has also been building a solid resume on the small screen, starring as the titular outlaw in the MGM+ series Billy the Kid. His performance in People We Meet on Vacation marks a significant departure from his grittier roles, allowing him to showcase a softer, more comedic side. Fans are eager to see if he will continue to pursue leading man roles in the romance genre or return to action-heavy blockbusters in the future.

Emily Bader is also having a major moment in the spotlight. She recently charmed audiences in the Prime Video series My Lady Jane, a historical fantasy that reimagines the life of Lady Jane Grey. Her ability to balance humor with genuine vulnerability in that series made her a perfect candidate for the role of Poppy. Before her breakout, she appeared in the Charmed reboot and the horror film Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin.

The film also features a strong supporting cast that adds comedic depth to the story. Comedy veterans Molly Shannon and Alan Ruck appear as Poppy’s parents, delivering the kind of eccentric performances one would expect from such seasoned pros. Their inclusion adds a layer of warmth and absurdity that rounds out the film’s universe.

Behind the camera, director Brett Haley is no stranger to emotional storytelling. He previously directed the Netflix adaptation of All the Bright Places and the indie hit Hearts Beat Loud. Haley has a reputation for handling character-driven stories with sensitivity, a skill set that was crucial for adapting a book as beloved as Henry’s.

The Emily Henry Cinematic Universe?

The success of People We Meet on Vacation is likely just the beginning of what could be described as the “Emily Henry Cinematic Universe.” Henry has been dubbed the reigning queen of modern romantic comedies, and Hollywood has taken notice. Reports indicate that options for all five of her adult romance novels have been sold.

Netflix is already doubling down on the author’s bibliography. The streamer has announced plans to adapt Happy Place and Funny Story, two of her other chart-topping novels. Meanwhile, 20th Century Studios is working on an adaptation of Beach Read, and Tango Entertainment is developing a film based on Book Lovers.

With so many projects in the pipeline, the pressure was on for this first movie to succeed. Its positive reception suggests that the audience’s appetite for smart, well-acted romantic comedies is far from sated. As streaming services continue to battle for subscribers, exclusive rights to popular literary properties like these are becoming the new gold standard.

Whether you are a die-hard fan of the book or just looking for a feel-good movie to watch this weekend, People We Meet on Vacation appears to be a safe bet. It offers a mix of nostalgia, travel envy, and romance that fits perfectly into a cozy Friday night in.

We want to hear your take on the movie—did the chemistry between Poppy and Alex work for you, or did you find the adaptation lacking?

Tell us what you think in the comments!