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Emily Henry’s novel People We Meet on Vacation has successfully made its transition from page to screen, creating a notable impact on Netflix. During its opening weekend, the film garnered 17.2 million views, achieving the top spot on the platform’s English-language movie chart for the week of January 5-11, following its release on January 9.
Alongside the film’s strong debut, the original book experienced a resurgence, re-entering the New York Times Best Seller list and the Amazon Book Charts. This trend illustrates the adaptation’s effectiveness in rekindling interest in the source material.
Unpacking the romantic journey
The film features Emily Bader as Poppy and Tom Blyth as Alex, two best friends whose relationship develops over years of annual vacations. Their transition from friendship to romance serves as the narrative’s focal point, highlighting the complexities of love and connection.
Netflix has made significant investments in promoting this adaptation, marking it as the first of five planned transformations of Henry’s novels. The promotional campaign included a unique event in New York City, featuring a heated dome filled with artificial sand to create a summer atmosphere, complete with mixed drinks and free merchandise, even amid January’s inclement weather.
Behind the scenes: From book to screen
During the promotional events on January 9, Emily Henry, along with Bader and Blyth, participated in a live reading of the book’s first chapter, organized by the romance bookstore The Ripped Bodice. This occasion was particularly special for Henry, marking her first live reading of her work in person.
Expressing her appreciation, Henry remarked, “Your support made it possible for this movie to come to life. The film industry can be quite risk-averse, and it’s your love for this story that made this all happen. Netflix embraced our vision, allowing us to create something special, which is a rarity in this business.”
The adaptation process
Screenwriter Yulin Kuang understands the complexities inherent in adapting a cherished book. Reflecting on her experiences, she noted that while many fans seek a faithful reproduction of the source material, the reality is that film and literature are fundamentally distinct mediums. “You can’t simply translate a novel to screen; it requires a unique interpretation that honors the original while also crafting something new,” Kuang explained.
While not every scene from the book is included in the film, Kuang has introduced new elements that enhance the narrative. She emphasized that, despite necessary cuts, the adaptation aims to resonate with both new viewers and dedicated fans of Henry’s work.
Character dynamics and casting choices
At the heart of People We Meet on Vacation lies the chemistry between Poppy and Alex. The casting of Bader and Blyth was pivotal, as their dynamic captures the ‘opposites attract’ theme central to the story. Bader’s performance brings Poppy’s vibrant spirit to life, while Blyth effectively portrays Alex’s more reserved character, beautifully illustrating their relationship’s evolution.
Henry characterized Bader as embodying Poppy’s optimistic perspective, while Blyth, despite playing a more introverted character, possesses a personality that resonates with Poppy’s lively energy. This casting synergy is crucial for realizing the characters’ emotional arcs.
Key differences between book and film
Alongside the film’s strong debut, the original book experienced a resurgence, re-entering the New York Times Best Seller list and the Amazon Book Charts. This trend illustrates the adaptation’s effectiveness in rekindling interest in the source material.0
Alongside the film’s strong debut, the original book experienced a resurgence, re-entering the New York Times Best Seller list and the Amazon Book Charts. This trend illustrates the adaptation’s effectiveness in rekindling interest in the source material.1