‘One of the best films in modern cinema’ is new Netflix romcom based off best-selling book | Films | Entertainment
Tough times call for relaxing TV. With wars and invasions waged around the world, there is little more comforting than switching on the TV and seeing a light-hearted series. While you might have already binge-watched Emily in Paris season five, a brand new film is awaiting those with a Netflix subscription, and, for a romantic drama, it has surprisingly positive reviews.
The film in question is People We Meet on Vacation, the long-awaited adaptation of Emily Henry’s bestselling novel. Released on January 9, 2026, it has quickly become the ultimate “comfort watch” for those looking to escape the winter blues. Sharply and poignantly, the description of the film on Rotten Tomatoes reads: “Free-spirited Poppy (Emily Bader) and routine-loving Alex (Tom Blyth) have been unlikely best friends for a decade, living in different cities but spending every summer vacation together.
“The careful balance of their friendship is put to the test when they begin to question what has been obvious to everyone else – could they actually be the perfect romantic match?”
Told through a nonlinear narrative, the story follows the decade-long friendship of “opposites attract” duo Poppy, a free-spirited travel writer, and Alex, a reserved introvert.
After a fallout in Croatia led to two years of silence, Poppy, realising she was happiest when they were together, rekindles their bond by inviting Alex on a trip to Palm Springs for his brother’s wedding.
As the vacation unfolds, flashbacks reveal the evolution of their relationship and the moments that led to their estrangement.
While critics often dismiss the genre as clichéd, the film has debuted with a strong 82% Rotten Tomatoes score and a solid 7.0/10 rating on IMDb.
A happy Reddit viewer wrote: “I didn’t have high expectations, but I really liked it, it was a pleasant surprise! And it’s funny how it has two things I hate on romance books – time jumps to the past and second chances. But as a movie it really worked for me!”
A review on Rotten Tomatoes stated: “Such a cute, fun romcom – definitely one of the best we have gotten in modern day cinema! Definitely stayed true to the book for the most part (a few things were missing that I’d have liked to see) but that being said Tom and Emily did an incredible job with these characters!”
However, many have criticised the film. The Guardian, for example, branded the adaptation a “shallow and synthetic” experience that lacks any real heart.
Despite the “glossy” production and a Taylor Swift-filled soundtrack, the critic found the journey of friends-turned-lovers to be a “limp tracing” of When Harry Met Sally, ultimately describing the film as a “grim start to the year.”
A Financial Times review the movie is “When Harry Met Sally … without the zingers or chemistry”, arguing “you’d rather run into the nastiest White Lotus characters on your hols than these dorks”.
Ultimately, only you can decide if this film is for you. So why not give it a try?
