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People We Meet on Vacation Tops Netflix as Fans and Critics Split Over Adaptation

The creative team is defending tonal and structural edits that reshape the bestseller for a two-hour film.

Overview

  • Netflix released the film on Jan. 9 starring Tom Blyth and Emily Bader, and it quickly reached No. 1 on the platform.
  • Outlets have reported an 83% Rotten Tomatoes score as reviews highlight strong leads but call the film polished yet emotionally light.
  • Viewer pushback has focused on condensed trips and pacing, with many arguing the story would have worked better as a limited series.
  • Director Brett Haley said he preserved the novel’s non-linear 'X summers ago' structure and added Easter eggs, while author Emily Henry supported toning down a sex scene after test screenings.
  • Henry endorsed certain changes, including new career beats for the character Sarah, and coverage notes more adaptations of her books are in development.