Inspired by Emily Henry’s book, “People We Meet on Vacation” debuted on Netflix with 17.2 million views the weekend it was launched. Is the movie worth the hype? Personally, I do NOT think so, but it can be a fun watch with family or friends. Despite the great filmmaking, good actors, and fun dialogue, it seems to me like the movie lacks something to become a “deserted island movie” (or in other words, it is not a movie worth rewatching on your own).

The two main characters, Poppy and Alex, meet when they share a cab from the University of Boston to go back to Louisiana – where they are from. Even though their first encounter is not ideal, Poppy and Alex eventually grow closer, and they become friends. 

I assume that they continue to be friends through their first year of university, because somehow they decide to plan a trip abroad together. This becomes an important part of the plot as they decide to make it a tradition, and continue to travel once a year. 

I appreciated the way the movie jumps in time from their present, where it seems like they have not spoken to each other for a while, to every past summer as an attempt to explain what happened to their friendship. The movie takes place in Louisiana, Spain, and New Orleans with colorful shots and beautiful scenery.

Poppy is an extroverted, self-centered, good-hearted girl, while Alex is a grumpy, introverted, kind boy. I felt for Alex many times, as Poppy did not give the best first impression and even gave me a little anxiety in the car scene – spoiler: she ends up getting taco filling all over his car because she “gets weird when she does not eat,” which she said after being a whole hour late. But, they end up being each other’s support, and even though they keep denying it, by the second trip, they seem to have caught feelings for each other. 

It is a good friends-to-lovers trope movie. I watched it on my own, and, to be completely honest, got a little bored. However, when I rewatched it with a friend, I had a really good time analysing their behaviors, talking about the different destinations, fun adventures, and actors’ chemistry throughout the movie. 

Overall, I will give it a 6.5/10. I would recommend the movie; it is a fun watch if you have some time on your hands. Plus, who knows? It might actually be a deserted island movie for you.