Film Adaptation of “People You Meet on Vacation” Released on Netflix
The much-anticipated movie based on Emily Henry’s popular romance, People You Meet on Vacation, is now available on Netflix. However, many fans were left disappointed when they discovered that the climactic sex scene between the characters Poppy (Emily Bader) and Alex (Tom Bryce) didn’t make it into the final version.
In a recent interview, Henry tackled the controversial omission. According to a report from Variety, the original sex scenes were quite steamy and romantic—so much so that she proudly shared with her friends that it was one of the sexiest scenes she’d ever witnessed. Yet, feedback from test audiences indicated that this level of intimacy didn’t resonate as well with them compared to the book’s readers.
“We shot the scene and it was stunning,” Henry recalled. “I told all my friends, ‘This is one of the sexiest sex scenes I’ve ever seen in my life,’ and now I feel a little bad about it. It felt like a moment from Titanic to me.” She described it as “very tasty, raw, and soft.”
Henry shared that director Brett Haley sought her input on whether to keep the scene. During test screenings, it seemed to disrupt the flow of the movie, especially for those unfamiliar with the book. She noted that viewers felt it was an abrupt change in the film’s direction.
Haley commented that the scene didn’t align with the overall tone of the movie, stating, “The spiciness didn’t quite fit… We aimed for a balance between sultry and the genuine depth of their love. What remains really captures the essence of the book without straying from the film’s tone.”
In People You Meet on Vacation, Poppy and Alex are unlikely friends who’ve maintained a pact to vacation together every summer, regardless of their life circumstances. But as their feelings for one another grow more complex, they face the challenge of dealing with their emotions during a wedding.
Haley, who previously directed Hearts Beat Loud and All the Bright Places, collaborated with writer Yulin Kuan on the screenplay for this adaptation. Kuan also plans to adapt another of Henry’s novels, Beach Read, into a film.
Henry hinted that the upcoming adaptation could include more intimate scenes. “I think there will be some sexier moments, along with traditional romantic comedy fade-to-black scenes. You’ll see a spectrum,” she revealed.
While she didn’t dismiss the idea of a director’s cut showcasing the more passionate scenes, she emphasized that what was ultimately in the film is truly beautiful. “It’s very sweet and real, but it just didn’t fit the movie’s overall vibe. Sometimes, a great project just doesn’t resonate the way you hope,” she reflected.
Currently, People You Meet on Vacation is streaming on Netflix.
