Poppy is a free-spirited and quirky woman who travels the world, writing articles about her experiences. Her best friend, Alex, is much more serious, but he learns to let loose and have fun on vacation. Despite her dreamy career, she struggles with feelings of loneliness without Alex. Each summer, the two would spend a week together on vacation, but their unspoken love has strained their friendship.
When Alex’s brother invites Poppy to his wedding, the two finally reconnect after two years of silence. Throughout the film, Poppy reflects on her past with Alex through flashbacks of their previous vacations.
The cinematography is breathtaking, featuring vibrant colors that make the vacation spots look straight out of a travel magazine. From busy, energetic city streets in Brazil to golden coastlines in Italy, each setting comes alive. In contrast, Poppy’s New York City apartment is dark and empty, emphasizing her isolation despite her adventurous lifestyle.
“People We Meet on Vacation” explores two popular movie tropes: best friends-to-lovers and the free-spirited woman who encourages a cold, busy man to open up. While the film attempts to give the characters depth beyond these tropes, it occasionally relies too much on the fan-favorite tropes. Alex’s growth seems dependent on Poppy’s influence rather than reflecting his own individual change.
The flashbacks are the strongest elements of the film. Instead of immediately revealing the characters’ conflict, the story unfolds in the present, with flashbacks gradually explaining the history of their relationship. This narrative approach keeps the film engaging and helps the audience grasp their decade-long history without feeling confused or overwhelmed. It enhances the frustration from their unspoken love in their present-day interactions.
Overall, “People We Meet on Vacation” was a fantastic watch. While it may lean heavily on familiar romance comedy tropes, Poppy and Alex’s chemistry, breathtaking visuals and storytelling make it stand out. The film is a great watch for when you want a classic romance film or inspiration for your next vacation idea.
