Long Hot Summer Vacation (2026)

The 2026 romantic comedy People We Meet on Vacation, often referred to in promotional materials or alternative titles as Long Hot Summer Vacation, brings Emily Henry’s bestselling novel to the big screen. Directed by Brett Haley, the film stars Emily Bader as Poppy, a free-spirited travel writer, and Tom Blyth as Alex, her introverted childhood friend. The story follows the pair as they reunite after two years of silence to take one final vacation together, intending to cement their platonic bond but instead confronting the blurred lines between friendship and romance.

Set against the backdrop of various global destinations and culminating at a wedding in Barcelona, the narrative utilizes a dual-timeline structure. This approach alternates between past trips that highlight their growing closeness and present-day interactions that reveal unresolved feelings. The film explores themes of personal growth, the fear of commitment versus the desire for stability, and the difficulty of admitting when a relationship has evolved beyond its original boundaries.

Premiering in 2026, the production has been noted for its faithful adaptation of the source material while adding cinematic depth to the characters' internal journeys. The cast includes Sarah Catherine Hook and Lucien Laviscount in supporting roles, with a screenplay written by Yulin Kuang, Amos Vernon, and Nunzio Randazzo. The film aims to capture the nostalgic warmth of summer adventures while delivering contemporary emotional resonance.

• The film features a cameo appearance by author Emily Henry, who plays a blonde female guest at the Barcelona wedding scene.
• Director Brett Haley previously directed The Way Back and We Don't Live Here Anymore, bringing his signature focus on intimate character dynamics to this romantic comedy.
• The movie's ending composition deliberately mirrors the visual layout of the original novel's book cover, serving as an easter egg for fans.
• Emily Bader and Tom Blyth underwent extensive preparation to portray the decade-long history and natural chemistry required for the leads.