The 2025 adaptation of Emily Henry’s beloved novel People We Meet on Vacation finally hit theaters (and streaming) last year, and it’s exactly what you’d expect from a big-budget rom-com based on one of the most popular romance novels of the 2020s: sweet, funny, nostalgic, and occasionally frustrating. Directed by Kat Coiro (She-Hulk) and starring Lili Reinhart as Poppy and Austin Butler as Alex, the film delivers solid chemistry and plenty of vacation vibes — but it never quite reaches the emotional highs of the book.
The Good: Chemistry & Escapism
Lili Reinhart and Austin Butler are the biggest reasons this movie works. Reinhart brings the perfect mix of bubbly energy and hidden vulnerability to Poppy, while Butler’s quiet intensity as Alex makes the slow-burn romance feel real. Their banter is sharp, their longing glances are believable, and the travel montages (Croatia, New Orleans, Palm Springs) are shot beautifully. The film nails that “best friends who might be more” energy that made the book so addictive.
The Mixed: Pacing & Depth
The movie’s biggest strength is also its weakness: it tries to cover too much ground. The book’s charm comes from the slow unfolding of Poppy and Alex’s history through flashbacks, but the film rushes through years of friendship in montage after montage. Some of the emotional weight gets lost, and certain character arcs (especially Poppy’s career struggles) feel underdeveloped.
The Bad: A Few Missed Opportunities
A couple of key moments from the book — particularly the emotional climax in Palm Springs — are toned down or changed, which dilutes the payoff for fans. The third act also leans too hard on rom-com clichés (big misunderstandings, last-minute airport runs), which feels unnecessary given how strong the leads are.
Final Verdict
Rating: 7.5/10 — A solid, feel-good romantic comedy that’s easy to love if you’re not comparing it too closely to the book. It’s charming, funny, and perfectly watchable for a cozy night in. Reinhart and Butler carry the film with real chemistry, and the travel-porn visuals are a treat. If you’re an Emily Henry fan, you’ll enjoy it — but the book still edges it out.
Personal opinion: This is the kind of rom-com we need more of — light, heartfelt, and just a little messy. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s comforting, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want.