For fans of Emily Henry’s beloved novel, seeing “People We Meet on Vacation” adapted for Netflix brought both excitement and curiosity. The film, which began streaming on January 9, 2026, stays true to the heart of the friends-to-lovers story but makes specific changes to bring the characters to cinematic life. The author has now opened up about why these adjustments were not just necessary but ultimately made the story feel more complete.
At the center of these changes is Sarah Torval, Alex’s longtime girlfriend, played by Sarah Catherine Hook. In the 2021 book, Sarah is a teacher at the same school as Alex. However, in the movie, she works for her father’s company before becoming a flight attendant. This career shift leads to a pivotal final encounter with Poppy at an airport, rather than at their hometown high school. Emily Henry shared that this alteration gave the character a more defined and satisfying journey.
“I love the change with Sarah’s job,” Henry told People. “Watching it with the audience, I just felt like this is so earned, just giving her this extra little beat. I love that character”.
Director Brett Haley made it a priority to involve Henry from the very beginning, ensuring the adaptation honored the source material while embracing the strengths of film. This collaborative spirit defined the entire adaptation process.
The Core Philosophy Behind Adapting the Book
The transition from page to screen always requires change. Screenwriter Yulin Kuang, who is also adapting Henry’s Beach Read, emphasized that a direct copy is impossible and often not desirable. The goal is to capture the spirit of the book, not every single scene.
“They’re very different mediums. And so to me, the task of the adaptation is not to be 100% faithful to the book,” Kuang explained. The focus was on creating a new work that stands on its own while feeling like “a love letter to the book”.
Emily Henry fully supported this approach. Her primary concern was protecting the elements most important to readers, trusting the filmmaking team to translate the core relationship between Poppy and Alex to a new format.
Key Changes from Book to Film
Beyond Sarah’s storyline, several other adjustments were made to streamline the narrative for a global audience and enhance its visual appeal.
- A New Meet-Cute: In the book, Poppy and Alex meet at a college orientation before reconnecting for a ride home. The film combines these moments into a single, memorable road trip where they bond over a messy burrito and music, instantly establishing their dynamic friendship.
- Glamorous Wedding Location: The wedding of Alex’s brother David moves from Palm Springs in the novel to the more cinematic and travel-centric setting of Barcelona in the film.
- A Condensed Travel History: The book features a decade of summer trips to locations like Nashville and Vail. The movie focuses on key journeys to New Orleans, Squamish (British Columbia), and Tuscany, which helps pace the story for a two-hour film.
- Streamlined Family Dynamics: Alex’s three brothers from the book are condensed to just one (David) for the film. Poppy’s twin brothers also do not appear, simplifying the family backgrounds.
How the Cast Brought the Characters to Life
A major reason the adaptation works is the casting of the two leads. Emily Bader plays free-spirited travel writer Poppy, and Tom Blyth plays the more reserved teacher Alex.
Director Brett Haley said the story “lives or dies on the chemistry between Alex and Poppy,” and he found that spark with Bader and Blyth. He described their chemistry as “electric”.
Henry agreed, noting that Bader embodies Poppy’s infectious energy, while Blyth perfectly captures Alex’s thoughtful, sometimes guarded nature. “Emily Bader and Tom Blyth have become the characters,” Henry stated.
The Author’s Role as Executive Producer
Unlike many authors who have little say in adaptations, Emily Henry was actively involved as an executive producer. Director Brett Haley sought her input constantly, from casting decisions to script changes.
Henry described a collaborative process where Haley would ask about scenes readers would “be devastated about missing” and lines they would be “waiting for”. This respectful partnership ensured that the film’s deviations always aimed to serve the story’s heart.
“The point of an adaptation is for it to belong to someone new,” Henry said, explaining her supportive stance. “With the film, my priority was protecting what readers cared about most and helping Brett make something they’d be excited to see”.
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A Faithful Adaptation with a Cinematic Heart
The Netflix film “People We Meet on Vacation” is now available to stream worldwide. It follows Poppy and Alex, best friends who take a summer trip together every year for a decade. After a falling out two years prior, they attempt one more vacation to repair their friendship, only to confront deeper feelings that have been building for years.
The changes made, particularly Sarah’s empowered new path, show how thoughtful adaptation can add depth. What remains unchanged is the core appeal: the witty banter, the slow-burn romance, and the relatable journey of two people figuring out if they are truly better together. For fans of the book and new viewers alike, the movie offers a heartfelt and visually stunning take on a modern romance classic.
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