Skip to content
People We Meet on Vacation
A sun-drenched, wanderlust-infused romantic comedy wrapped in poignant nostalgia, capturing the quiet heartbreak of unvoiced love as two wandering souls navigate ten years of sunlit getaways.
People We Meet on Vacation
People We Meet on Vacation

"On vacation, you're free to follow your heart."

06 January 2026 United States of America 116 min 7.0 (710)

Director: Brett Haley

Cast: Emily Bader, Tom Blyth, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jameela Jamil, Miles Heizer

Comedy Romance Friendship vs. Romantic Love Escapism and Wanderlust vs. Finding "Home" Fear of Vulnerability and Change Opposites Attract and Complementary Balance Identity and Professional Burnout
Budget: $1,000,000

People We Meet on Vacation — Characters & Cast

Character Analysis

Poppy Wright

Emily Bader

Archetype: The Free Spirit / Seeker Key Trait: Vibrant, impulsive, charismatic, yet secretly insecure about being "too much"

Motivation

To recapture her happiness and repair her bond with Alex without losing her identity.

Character Arc

Begins as an unmoored travel writer seeking external novelty to mask internal loneliness; learns that emotional stability and confronting vulnerability are necessary for true fulfillment.

Alex Nilsen

Tom Blyth

Archetype: The Anchor / Reluctant Romantic Key Trait: Dependable, structured, literary, dry-humored, and quietly observant

Motivation

To maintain stability in his life and avoid heartbreak, while privately longing for Poppy.

Character Arc

Begins guarded and tightly wound, hiding behind routine and safe choices; evolves into taking emotional risks by asserting his true desire for a life with Poppy.

Sarah Torval

Sarah Catherine Hook

Archetype: The Catalyst / Safe Haven Key Trait: Conventional, sensible, well-mannered

Motivation

To find a stable, committed partner who is emotionally present.

Character Arc

Alex’s recurring on-again, off-again partner who provides familiarity, ultimately clarifying the difference between settling for convenience and pursuing deep romantic passion.

Swapna Bakshi-Highsmith

Jameela Jamil

Archetype: The Mentor / Pragmatic Confidante Key Trait: Sharp-witted, perceptive, sophisticated

Motivation

To keep Poppy producing authentic journalism while looking out for her well-being.

Character Arc

Serves as Poppy’s editor and voice of reason at R+R, guiding her to recognize that her professional creative block stems from personal dissatisfaction.

David Nilsen

Miles Heizer

Archetype: The Herald / Brotherly Mirror Key Trait: Easygoing, supportive, open-hearted

Motivation

To celebrate his marriage and see his brother find genuine happiness.

Character Arc

Alex's brother whose wedding in Spain serves as the narrative instigator, forcing the estranged leads back into each other's orbit.

Cast

Emily Bader as Poppy Wright
Tom Blyth as Alex Nilsen
Sarah Catherine Hook as Sarah
Jameela Jamil as Swapna Bakshi-Highsmith
Miles Heizer as David Nilsen
Tommy Do as Nam
Lucien Laviscount as Trey
Alan Ruck as Jimmy Wright
Molly Shannon as Wanda Wright
Lukas Gage as Buck
Madeleine Akua as Daisy
Alice Lee as Rachel
Spencer Neville as Julian
Ian Porter as Ed Nilsen
John Jabaley as Motel Night Manager

Explore More About This Movie

Dive deeper into specific aspects of the movie with our detailed analysis pages

Similar Movies