BookTok adaptations often come with a ton of expectations. When a book becomes popular online, especially a romance novel, audiences expect the film version to recreate the same emotional connection they felt while reading. The adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation, written by Emily Henry, attempts to do just that, but the responses have been mixed.
People We Meet on Vacation works emotionally for some viewers, and completely falls flat for others. There is a wide range of opinions ranging from absolutely hating everything about the movie to being someone’s favourite movie ever.
Let us slide into your dms 🥰
Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)What I Think
I honestly LOVED the movie adaptation of People We Meet On Vacation. I read the book too long ago to remember the specifics; I’m someone who gets extremely angry anytime an adaptation isn’t exactly like the book is, so I understand a percentage of the hate towards this movie.
Here is the trailer, in case you haven't watched the movie yet:
Take the Quiz: Which All American Character Are You?
Find out which All American character you are!
Overview
The story is about Poppy and Alex, two polar opposites who form an unlikely friendship with the promise to go on vacation together every summer. Over the years, their relationship grows complicated, filled with unspoken feelings and missed chances. While the book is known for its emotional depth and slow-burn romance, translating that experience to the screen proves to be challenging.
Differences
One of the biggest differences between the book and the movie adaptation is how emotions are portrayed. In the book, we can read the inner workings of Poppy's mind, but on screen, without that internal monologue, some of her dialogue feels awkward rather than endearing. What works naturally on the page doesn’t always translate smoothly to film, and this is noticeable in several moments.
Alex’s character faces a similar issue. In the book, his quiet and reserved nature comes across as thoughtful and emotionally layered, but in the movie, it feels distant, making it harder for viewers to fully connect with him. As a result, the chemistry between Poppy and Alex feels inconsistent. In some scenes, you can feel the warmth emanating from the TV screen but with others, they lack the emotional tension of the long-awaited romance.
Miscommunication
Another major critique of the film is miscommunication. The story spans over a decade, but somehow, the main problem boils down to a lack of communication. While slow-burn romance is a popular trope, stretching this lack of communication for so long can feel frustrating rather than romantic. On screen, these emotions and behaviours feel less believable due to the characters' ages and emotional maturity.
The movie places a strong emphasis on the vacation locations; they’re very appealing and add to the overall atmosphere of the movie. Although, sometimes, the focus on beauty of the place takes away from the beauty of deeper character development. Several flashbacks highlight where Poppy and Alex travel rather than how their relationship evolves during those trips. This made some emotional moments feel rushed.
To Conclude...
Regardless of these flaws, I found the movie to be super cute, and so did many other viewers. I loved the nostalgic tone and emotional softness of the movie. Honestly, People We Meet On Vacation as a movie works best for people who want short, cute rom-coms rather than a deeply emotional love story.
