'People We Meet on Vacation': Cast, Plot, Trailer, Release Date, and Everything to Know About Netflix’s Next Adaptation

Published 12/02/2025, 10:59 AM EST

Every once in a while, a love story emerges that feels less like fiction and more like a quiet echo of real life, embracing missed chances, unspoken feelings, and the magnetic pull of a person who never quite leaves. Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation has long been that story for millions.

Now, Netflix is bringing this beloved tale to the screen, complete with an alluring cast. A trailer for the same was released a short while ago, offering plenty to unpack in terms of plot and context.

Early glimpses, notably, suggest the screen version stays true to the themes and vibes of the author's beloved novel.

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People We Meet on Vacation: Cast

Netflix’s People We Meet on Vacation stars Emily Bader and Tom Blyth in the lead roles. Jameela Jamil, Lukas Gage, Alan Ruck, and Molly Shannon are set to appear in supporting roles.

The film is directed by Brett Haley, with a screenplay by Yulin Kuang. The offering will debut on the streaming giant under a first-look deal between the platform and Sony.

With a lead pair and ensemble that have gripped the internet since their casting, People We Meet on Vacation looks set to be Netflix’s next big romance outing. Book-to-screen adaptation is a separate genre in its own right, which only adds to the excitement surrounding the movie. Emily Henry readers most certainly must be counting the days to watch the mushy connection between the characters take human form on screen.

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For those who have not read the book and will be diving straight into the film, meanwhile, the worry should not be much, as the plot is as simple as any romance flick can get.

People We Meet on Vacation: Plot

The story of the venture expanding Netflix's book-to-screen adaptation slate revolves around Poppy and Alex, two best friends whose personalities could not be more different.  She loves adventure and travel; he prefers comfort, routine, and staying home. Every summer for a decade, they meet for a week-long holiday, until a trip ends in a falling-out and years of silence. Poppy, however, manages to persuade Alex to resume their ritual. This time when they meet, though, things are different from before. The offering comes out in a little over a month.

People We Meet on Vacation — Release date and trailer

The film adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation was officially announced in October 2022. The streaming release is scheduled for January 9, 2026. This adaptation marks the first of author Emily Henry’s books to be translated for the screen.

People We Meet on Vacation sold 2 million copies and spent 69 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller chart. A trailer for the film is out now and looks every bit like the swoony story Henry offered in the form of ink on paper.

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Ultimately, with the film’s release inching closer, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch not just for the romance but for the warm, breezy escapist charm the story promises. Whether one is here for the chemistry, the friends-to-lovers arc, or simply a feel-good watch, Netflix’s latest adaptation seems ready to deliver. All eyes are clearly now on January's arrival.

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Are you excited for People We Meet on Vacation? Let us know in the comments.

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Seema Sinha

665 articles

Seema Sinha is a journalist at Netflix Junkie, covering the celebrity culture and global cinema beats. With three years of experience at major Hollywood media verticals, she filters real news from the gossip and buzz. Her core focus is on pop culture narratives surrounding musicians—primarily Taylor Swift—with her reporting striking a fine balance between human insight and editorial clarity.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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