5 Jaw-Dropping Moments In The 'People We Meet On Vacation' Trailer That Prove Tom Blyth And Emily Bader Have Irresistible Chemistry
The wait is finally over: The first official trailer for the highly anticipated Netflix movie adaptation of Emily Henry’s bestselling novel, People We Meet on Vacation, has officially dropped, and it is everything fans dreamed of and more. As of today, December 12, 2025, the internet is buzzing with reactions to the sneak peek, confirming that the on-screen chemistry between leads Emily Bader and Tom Blyth is, as the author herself described it, "irresistible."
This film marks the first of Emily Henry's beloved books to hit the screen, setting a high bar for future adaptations like Book Lovers and Happy Place. The trailer offers a vibrant glimpse into the decade-long, friends-to-lovers journey of Poppy and Alex, promising a perfect blend of laugh-out-loud humor and deeply emotional moments that defined the 2021 novel. The movie is set to premiere on Netflix on January 9, 2026.
The Complete Cast and Crew: Who’s Bringing Poppy and Alex’s Story to Life
The success of any book-to-screen adaptation rests on its casting and creative team, and the People We Meet on Vacation movie has assembled a formidable group of talent. Here is a complete profile of the key players:
- Source Material: People We Meet on Vacation (2021 Novel) by Emily Henry.
- Streaming Platform: Netflix.
- Director: Brett Haley. Haley is known for his work on romantic dramas and comedies, bringing a sensitive touch to the material.
- Screenwriters: Yulin Kuang, Amos Vernon, and Nunzio Randazzo. Yulin Kuang is a fan-favorite writer and director in the romance genre, ensuring the adaptation stays true to the novel's heart.
- Poppy (Lead): Emily Bader. Bader is cast as the free-spirited travel writer, Poppy, whose life feels incomplete without her best friend.
- Alex Nilsen (Lead): Tom Blyth. Blyth, known for his role in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, takes on the role of the reserved, intellectual Alex.
- Supporting Cast Members: The ensemble cast includes Lukas Gage, Sarah Catherine Hook, and Lucien Laviscount, adding depth to the characters surrounding Poppy and Alex.
- Composer: Keegan DeWitt.
- Cinematographer: Rob Givens.
- Editor: Evan Henke.
The Trailer Breakdown: Why Fans Are Already 'Invested'
The newly released trailer has ignited a firestorm of excitement across the book community and Netflix subscribers alike. Fan reaction is overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing that they are already "in tears" and "couldn't contain their excitement" after seeing the sneak peek. The trailer successfully captures the novel's core themes: the agony of a friendship on pause, the nostalgia of shared travel, and the undeniable tension of unrequited love.
The footage is a kaleidoscope of exotic locations—from Croatia to Palm Springs—showcasing the annual summer trips that define Poppy and Alex's relationship. The visual contrast between Poppy's bright, bohemian style and Alex's more buttoned-up demeanor perfectly sets up their "opposites attract" dynamic. The trailer confirms the film’s structure will follow the novel’s timeline, flashing back to their previous ten vacations as they attempt to mend their broken friendship in the present day. This narrative device is crucial to the story's emotional weight, and the trailer hints at its masterful execution.
The 5 Most Irresistible Moments Highlighting Poppy and Alex’s Chemistry
The biggest takeaway from the trailer is the palpable on-screen connection between Emily Bader and Tom Blyth. Emily Henry herself used the word "irresistible" to describe their chemistry read, and the trailer proves her right. Their dynamic is being hailed as the perfect representation of the beloved "Poppy and Alex chemistry" from the book. Here are the five moments from the trailer that have sent the internet into a frenzy:
1. The Initial "Opposites" Meet-Cute
The trailer opens with a quick flashback to the moment Poppy and Alex first meet, contrasting Poppy's chaotic energy with Alex's quiet intellectualism. This brief scene instantly establishes their unlikely bond, which is the foundation of the entire story. The subtle, awkward eye contact and instant connection perfectly convey the beginning of their decade-long friendship. This moment is essential for readers who appreciate the "found family" and "best friends" tropes.
2. The 'Last Trip' Tension
A key moment in the trailer shows Poppy and Alex on their "last trip" before their two-year falling out. The dialogue is clipped, the body language is stiff, and the stunning backdrop of a tropical destination only amplifies the emotional distance between them. This scene is a masterclass in showing, not telling, the painful rift in their relationship, immediately hooking viewers who are curious about what caused the split.
3. The Shared Laugh in the Road Trip Montage
Interspersed with the tension are quick, joyous cuts of their past summer vacations. One specific shot of them in a beat-up car, windows down, erupting in shared laughter, is a powerful visual shorthand for their genuine, deep friendship. This montage is crucial for establishing the high stakes—the happiness they lost—making their current journey to reconcile even more compelling.
4. The Hand-Hold That Says Everything
The most discussed moment online is a simple, yet electric, scene where Alex reaches out and gently touches Poppy’s hand. This small gesture, loaded with years of unspoken feelings and romantic tension, is the trailer’s peak "will-they-or-won't-they" moment. It’s a powerful nod to the slow-burn romance that defines the novel, satisfying fans of the "Poppy and Alex" pairing who have waited years to see this intimacy on screen.
5. The Final, Emotional Confrontation
The trailer’s closing scene hints at the emotional climax of the film, with one of the leads delivering a tearful, heartfelt line about their bond. While the exact dialogue is strategically vague, the raw emotion in the performance from either Emily Bader or Tom Blyth is undeniable. This final punch leaves the audience completely invested, ensuring that the January 2026 release date can't come soon enough for the "Emily Henry girlies" and rom-com enthusiasts worldwide.
What to Expect from the Netflix Rom-Com in 2026
The *People We Meet on Vacation* movie is poised to be the first major romantic comedy event of 2026. The combination of acclaimed director Brett Haley, the talented screenwriting team, and the undeniable chemistry of Tom Blyth and Emily Bader suggests this will be a faithful, yet fresh, take on the beloved novel. The movie promises to explore deeper themes beyond the typical rom-com, focusing on the complexities of adult friendship, the fear of change, and the universal struggle of communicating true feelings to the person who knows you best.
Fans who loved the book's tropical settings, the witty banter, and the emotional payoff of the friends-to-lovers trope should prepare for a cinematic experience that lives up to the hype. Mark your calendars for January 9, 2026, and get ready to revisit the incredible journey of Poppy and Alex on Netflix.
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