“People We Meet On Vacation” is a romantic comedy, a friendship with serious romantic tension between two people. This friendship revolves around the problems, falling out and mending of a strong friendship. Then it turns into a story of love between two old friends. 

 At the beginning of the movie, Poppy imagines what a vacation would be like alone. Poppy is on a quest to write a new book. Her friend is having a wedding in Barcelona, Spain, and she decides she does not want to go. Later on, she decides she will go because, while on a phone call, she slips up. She called Alex to let him know that the reason she is not going to the wedding is not because of him. It was an awkward phone call but it adds to their awkward relationship. I wondered why she would call him if they weren’t friends. It’s like, of course, he knows it’s not because of you, but that’s just how Poppy is. Poppy accidentally says that her next job is in Spain. After this phone call, she realizes what she has done, but she’s off to Spain.   

Poppy

Poppy Wright, played by Emily Braden, is the main character and a ball of chaos. Wright is a talkative girl, always explaining her ideas and expressing her thoughts, regardless of others’ opinions. Poppy is free-spirited and enthusiastic about life. On her way to Spain at the airport, she begins to sing while walking around loudly. It is a perfect example of her character throughout the movie, he hates running anywhere. She has never really been in a serious relationship. She lives in a loud city, New York, which is very intentional; in a way, Poppy is a loud character like New York. New York is sometimes described as a city full of chaos. It builds the emphasis that she is a loud person and creates contrast between Alex and her.  She is an interesting character to watch because she always has something going on and she keeps the audience on their toes. Her character is very enthusiastic and passionate. 

Alex

Alex Nilsen, played by Tom Blyth, is Poppy’s lover. Nilsen is a quiet boy; he doesn’t get along with loud and obnoxious people. Alex is your titular nothing burger- he is bland and basic like every rom-com male protagonist. He likes to commit to a plan and people. For example, during the many years Wright and Nilsen have been friends, Nilsen has been dating Sarah, his on-and-off girlfriend. They always break up and get together. On the last vacation before Poppy and Alex stop being friends, Alex proposes to Sarah, but Alex does not go through with it. He is also an English teacher. He lives in a small town in Linfield, Ohio. He loves Lifield and a small town. 

First meeting

Alex and Poppy met at Boston College. They are both heading home to Lifield. Alex is giving Poppy a ride home on a road trip — an annoying one. Poppy keeps asking Alex questions. She is a deep thinker but it can be annoying for an introvert like Alex. To be fair, most college students probably don’t want to talk after a long school year. Poppy asks Alex, “If you could be anywhere in the world, where would you be?” Alex tells her that Canada, inspiring their first vacation. 

Poppy and Alex meet again

After many years of not seeing each other, Poppy and Alex reunite at the airport. Poppy is singing loudly in the airport — which would be funny to see — and Alex pops up right behind her. Alex drives Poppy to where she is staying. 

Poppy and Alex’s vacations

Alex and Poppy take their first vacation to Canada. On the adventure, they meet a guy who takes them back to a secret campsite. The song “Genesis” by Grimes starts playing, and it adds a whimsical atmosphere to the vacation. Although on their first vacation, they do not seem interested in each other. It seems more like a platonic relationship. On their second vacation, however, they pretend to be a married couple. This leads to a whole new adventure and lots of free food. Alex dips Poppy, and they give each other the look of love. Alex seems like he is falling in love with her. This scene screamed “just kiss already.” Their tension is so strong that anyone would be able to see from miles away. Poppy sprains her ankle, and they have a romantic moment where he carries her. But of course, her lover, Julian, appeared and ruined their moment.  Just before their third vacation, Poppy gets sick, so they are unable to go on vacation and Alex comes and takes care of her. They were just friends during this time period, but it makes the audience wonder why they still haven’t gotten together. On their next vacation, they both bring their partners. Alex brings his on-and-off girlfriend Sarah, while Poppy is with a random dude named Trey. During this trip, Poppy has a pregnancy scare and they go out for a pregnancy test. The pregnancy test is negative. After this, they have intense eye contact and they almost kiss. Alex ruins their vacation, asks Sarah to marry him on this trip and he decides to tell Poppy that this will be their last vacation. This is where they stop being friends and vacation buddies. It’s sad to see them like this because they had no reason to end their friendship, but out of respect for his girlfriend it’s reasonable. However, he and his girlfriend never even get married. 

Alex and Poppy love rekindles

Alex and Poppy are in her Airbnb in Spain. Poppy asks Alex if the reason he broke his engagement was because of her. Alex says of course, it’s because of her. Poppy tells him she needs air and breaks the plastic barrier on the window. She and Alex are outside arguing and they kiss. A long-awaited kiss. I was happy to see them finally kiss since they had taken so long to confess their feelings. They go to their friend’s wedding together and Alex asks what the plan is for them. Poppy tells him to enjoy the night. Unfortunately, this leads to a heated argument, and Alex walks off. After this, they both return to their lives. Poppy has an epiphany and realizes she is no longer satisfied with her life in New York. She is missing something in her life — Alex. Poppy quits her job and flies to Alex. Poppy has never liked running, but — like every rom-com ever — she catches up to Alex. Poppy confesses her feelings and thoughts to him.. 

If you’re looking for a sign to keep waiting for that guy or girl you’ve always wanted, this movie is a perfect example of why maybe waiting can be worth it. Poppy and Alex have been friends for 10 to 12 years, and yet they end with a kiss on a beach.