Netflix Rom-Com Based on Bestselling Novel

Netflix Rom-Com Based on Bestselling Novel Debuts With 88% Rotten Tomatoes Score

Netflix’s new romantic comedy, People We Meet on Vacation, has launched with an impressive 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Brett Haley, the film stars Tom Blyth and Emily Bader in the lead roles and is adapted from the bestselling novel of the same name, which topped both The New York Times and IndieBound lists.

Strong Reviews for People We Meet on Vacation

As of writing, the film holds an 88% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, while Metacritic has awarded it a 53, indicating “mixed or average” reviews overall. Despite the mixed aggregate, many critics have responded positively to the movie’s tone, performances, and visual appeal.

Gabriella Geisinger of Digital Spy wrote that while viewers may not “cry bucketloads,” they will feel “uplifted by the beautiful locations, attractive cast, and the comforting escape into a world where falling in love ultimately leads to happiness.”

Tessa Smith of Mama’s Geeky praised the chemistry between Blyth and Bader, calling the film “the epitome of a great romantic comedy.” She also highlighted the strong performances from the supporting cast and commended the film’s narrative structure.

Variety’s Guy Lodge noted that what keeps the movie engaging is “the genuine, if tentative, chemistry between its stars,” with one delivering charm and the other offering a more understated, intriguing presence. Meanwhile, Angie Han of The Hollywood Reporter described the film as “not necessarily a forever favorite, but a lovely place to visit for a few relaxed hours.”

The film was directed by Brett Haley and written by Yulin Kuang, Amos Vernon, and Nunzio Randazzo, with production by Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, and Isaac Klausner. Alongside Blyth and Bader, the cast includes Sarah Catherine Hook, Lucien Laviscount, Lukas Gage, Miles Heizer, and Jameela Jamil.