People We Meet on Vacation
The movie "People We Meet on Vacation (2026)" is a romantic comedy film released on Netflix on January 9, 2026. Based on Emily Henry's 2021 bestselling novel of the same name, the story follows Poppy Wright and Alex Nilsen, two best friends with contrasting personalities who have taken a summer vacation together every year for a decade. After a two-year period of not speaking, Poppy convinces Alex to take one more trip to try and mend their friendship, leading them to confront their deeper feelings for each other. The film, starring Emily Bader as Poppy and Tom Blyth as Alex, is intended for mature audiences and explores themes of friendship, love, timing, and self-discovery set against various picturesque travel backdrops. It has been described as a heartfelt and humorous rom-com.
Concerns
Romance and Sexual Content
HighThe film features significant romantic and sexual content, including implied and explicit sexual encounters, suggestive language, and some nudity. This content is central to the romantic comedy genre of the movie.
Poppy and Alex declare their love for one another and then "have sex". During a trip to Palm Springs, after the air conditioning fails and it rains, Poppy and Alex "have sex in the rain". On a Canadian vacation, Poppy goes into a man's tent where they "make out and remove their clothes (she leaves on underwear; we see them from the waist up)". Separately, Alex follows a group who go skinny-dipping in the ocean, where "six or seven twentysomethings disrobe and run to the water (seen mostly from the rear)" in a dark scene. The movie also includes "nudity" and a "sex scene". Poppy's parents give her and Alex a jumbo pack of condoms, and Poppy's dad talks to Alex about sexual performance, indicating a sexually permissive worldview.
Profanity
HighThe film contains strong language, with multiple instances of mild, moderate, and strong profanity. This includes the frequent use of various curse words and instances of taking the name of Deity in vain.
The movie features "brief strong language" and "strong language". For the source novel, which the movie is based on, profanity includes "almost 30 instances of strong language, about 50 uses of moderate profanity, about 25 uses of mild language, and about 35 instances of the name of Deity taken in vain." While these specifics are for the book, reviews indicate a "fair amount of swearing" in the film.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe film includes LGBTQ representation through a brief same-sex kiss and features gay side characters. The presence of these elements indicates a diverse portrayal of relationships and identities within the narrative.
One specific instance noted is a same-sex kiss in the movie. Additionally, the source novel includes a gay side character and a gay Vietnamese-American side character, indicating broader LGBTQ representation in the original material that may carry over.
Substance Use
MediumThe movie includes depictions of alcohol consumption, smoking, and references to drug use. Characters are shown drinking, sometimes to intoxication, and there are explicit mentions of drugs within dialogue or themes.
The film includes "drug use" and "light alcohol and drug use" as part of its content descriptors. Poppy is described as "drinking what Poppy tipsily terms “too many alcohol”". There are also references to "some drinking and smoking". In one scene, Poppy's parents are depicted as handing out "giant boxes of condoms and “safe” illicit drugs" to their adult children.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe film explores themes of friendship dynamics and personal growth which can include elements of backtalk or perceived defiance, particularly from Poppy, who is characterized as a "wild child" compared to Alex. These instances generally serve to develop character and plot rather than promote outright rebellion.
Poppy is often characterized by her "shenanigans" and being "turned up to 11," sometimes coming across as "annoying and self-absorbed" in her actions and inner monologues. She is described as doing "crazy things to avoid talking" about her feelings, suggesting a form of emotional rebellion or avoidance.
Violence
LowThe movie, being a romantic comedy, contains minimal to no explicit violence. Reviews do not highlight any significant fight scenes, gore, or death.
No specific examples of violence such as graphic fights, gore, or severe physical harm are mentioned in available reviews or plot summaries for the film.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere is no indication of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, or supernatural themes present in the movie. The narrative focuses on realistic romantic relationships and personal growth.
No mentions of witchcraft, magic rituals, demons, spells, or other occult content appear in any available plot summaries or reviews of the film.
Scary & Intense Content
LowAs a romantic comedy, the movie does not contain elements typically found in scary or intense genres. There are no reported jump scares, horror sequences, or graphic depictions of life-threatening situations.
Reviews and plot descriptions consistently categorize the film as a romantic comedy, with no mention of frightening, suspenseful, or intense horror elements.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThere is no evidence or mention of anti-Christian themes, mockery of Christian beliefs, or sacrilegious acts in the available content analyses or plot summaries of the movie.
No content related to anti-Christian themes, criticism of Christianity, or disrespectful portrayal of religious figures or symbols is reported in any of the analyzed sources.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 16+ due to mature themes, including explicit sexual content, nudity, strong language, and substance use. The movie carries a PG-13 rating, but critics and parent reviews highlight content that warrants caution for younger or more sensitive viewers.
Additional Notes
The film is an adaptation of a popular novel, and while efforts were made to preserve fan-favorite details, some plot changes, such as the wedding destination, exist. The movie's content, particularly regarding sexual themes and language, aligns with adult romance novels. Parents should be aware that despite a PG-13 rating, some content is described as suitable for adult genre fans rather than all teens.
Related Reviews
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