Review: Analyzing 'People We Meet on Vacation' and Its Character Dynamics
The romantic comedy genre has long relied on the chemistry between its leads, and the new film adaptation of Emily Henry's bestselling novel 'People We Meet on Vacation' presents a case study in opposites attracting. Directed by Brett Haley, the film stars Emily Bader and Tom Blyth as Alex and Poppy, two best friends who couldn't be more different. He is a reserved, homebody English teacher from Ohio, while she is an outgoing, adventure-seeking event planner living a more chaotic life. The premise follows their decade-long friendship, punctuated by annual summer trips that serve as the backdrop for their slow-burn romance. The narrative structure utilizes a dual timeline, alternating between the present day, where the two are estranged after a falling out, and flashbacks to their various vacations over the years. This non-linear storytelling attempts to build tension, revealing the history of their bond piece by piece. However, critics have noted that the editing can feel disjointed, making the emotional stakes sometimes difficult to gauge in the present timeline. The film's central question is whether two people who are fundamentally different can make a relationship work without destroying the platonic foundation they've built. Cinematographically, the film leans heavily into the 'vacation' aspect, utilizing warm, saturated colors and picturesque locations—from an Italian villa to a tropical beach—to create a sense of escapism. These settings are designed to contrast with the subdued, more realistic visuals of their hometown, visually representing the pull between their two worlds. The production design effectively reinforces the characters' personalities, with Alex's home being organized and minimal, while Poppy's space is cluttered and vibrant. The performances by Bader and Blyth are the film's strongest asset. Bader captures Poppy's effervescence and underlying vulnerability, while Blyth portrays Alex's stoicism and hidden passion with subtlety. Their chemistry is palpable, which is essential for a rom-com relying on years of unspoken feelings. However, the script occasionally falls into familiar tropes without offering much new insight. The conflict that drives them apart in the present feels somewhat manufactured, a common issue in the friends-to-lovers genre where communication barriers are often the primary antagonist. Comparisons to other films in the genre are inevitable. It invites comparisons to 'When Harry Met Sally' but lacks the sharp dialogue of that classic, or the 'Paddington' movies for its warmth, but it stands on its own as a serviceable entry into the canon. The humor is derived mostly from the clash of their personalities, with Alex's straight-man reactions to Poppy's antics providing the bulk of the laughs. It is a breezy, pleasant watch that adheres strictly to the formula. Ultimately, the film succeeds as a comfort watch rather than a groundbreaking piece of cinema. It understands the assignment of providing wish-fulfillment and emotional payoff, even if the journey there is occasionally bumpy. For fans of the book, the adaptation likely captures the spirit of the source material, prioritizing the emotional beats over complex plot mechanics. It is a reminder that sometimes, execution matters more than innovation, especially when the lead actors are this charming together.
