PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION

Summary

Podcast Summary: "I'll Read What She's Reading" – PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION

Episode Air Date: January 28, 2026
Hosts: Mikayla, Reggie, Kennedy
Theme: A lively, bookish discussion on Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation, focusing on the recent movie adaptation versus the original book.

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Episode Overview

This episode dives into the Netflix film adaptation of Emily Henry’s beloved novel People We Meet on Vacation. Hosts Mikayla, Reggie, and Kennedy compare the movie to the book, unpacking their personal ratings, favorite and least favorite aspects, casting choices, notable differences, and which adaptation choices worked (or didn’t). The conversation, true to the podcast’s tone, is energetic, a little chaotic, and packed with spoilers, making it perfect for fans eager to dissect book-to-movie translations.

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Notable Discussion Topics & Insights

1. Book vs. Movie Ratings and Reading Experience

• Star Ratings:

  • Kennedy: Originally 3 stars for the book, up to 4 stars after rereading.
  • Reggie: 4 stars first read, 5 stars on reread (but now thinks maybe 4.5).
  • Mikayla: 4 stars, but liked it less on reread.

• Re-reading Before the Movie:

  • All agreed reading the book right before watching the movie led them to scrutinize every difference, dampening the viewing experience.
  • Referenced Emily Henry stating she prefers to “see the movie first” to enjoy both more.

  Quote:

  “I think if I would have watched People We Meet on Vacation and then read it, I think I would have enjoyed it more.” – Kennedy [03:31]

2. Movie as Adaptation: Praise vs. Criticism

• Strengths:

  • Casting: All hosts praise Emily Bader (Poppy) and Tom Blyth (Alex), especially Bader. The fact that leads aren’t book-accurate blondes fades away quickly in favor of performance.
    • “I want Emily Bader to star in literally everything from every rom com from now. Like, she was perfect.” – Reggie [08:13]
  • Production Value: Cinematography, color grading, and overall vibe felt “theatrical,” not “Hallmarky.”
  • Chemistry: Despite some critiques online, the hosts felt the leads had great chemistry, especially in comedic or unique movie-only scenes.

• Weaknesses:

  • Adaptation vs. Standalone Film: While the movie is enjoyable, it falls short as a faithful adaptation.
    • “I’ve seen a lot of people say that People We Meet on Vacation was a great movie, but it wasn’t a great adaptation.” – Reggie [05:51]
  • Notable Changes: Locations switched (Palm Springs becomes Barcelona), altered timeline and character arcs, new or missing scenes.

3. Favorite Movie Moments

• Fun Added Scenes (Not in the Book):
  • Alex losing his clothes (“the Full Moon” scene) [11:05]
  • Dance sequence at the bar
    • “Just a little bundle of joy from Tom Blyth. Moving those hips. That was my favorite part.” – Mikayla [11:46]
  • The “zip up my dress” scene
  • Emily Henry’s author cameo at the wedding [15:32]

4. Major Book-to-Movie Differences

• Characterization of Alex:
  Hosts miss the depth and longing Alex shows in the book—this intensity doesn’t fully translate onscreen.

  • “The yearning in the book is so top tier. And I didn’t get any of that from him in the movie … He was never standoffish to Poppy in the book.” – Kennedy [18:53]

• Changed/Cut Heartfelt Scenes:
  The “Poppy sick” turning point was glossed over in the movie.

  • “Could we not have had two seconds of her, like, falling asleep and him just looking at her … just longing for her?” – Reggie [19:39]

• Sarah Plotline:
  The film’s treatment of Sarah makes Poppy seem like an intruder and Alex like “a douche,” which differs from the book’s dynamics [22:06–23:35].

• Changed Locations:
  Swapping Palm Springs for Barcelona changed the forced proximity and emotional stakes.

  • “Palm Springs versus Barcelona is a very different trip storyline…there’s a lot of moments that really solidifies their care for each other that it was just missed in the movie.” – Mikayla [17:46]

• Story Depth:

  • Friends-to-lovers progression and backstories are flattened; underlying motivations and emotional tension aren’t as effectively communicated.

5. Casting and Adaptations Going Forward

• Speculations:
  • Discussion of dream casts for future Emily Henry adaptations (Joe Keery, Dylan O’Brien).
  • Anticipation for Funny Story, Beach Read, and Book Lovers as likely next adaptations.
  • Noted that “Happy Place” will be a series, not a movie [33:45].
  • “Honestly, I’ll take what I can get.” – Mikayla [33:49]

6. General Takeaways & Final Thoughts

• Adaptation Success:

  • All agree the movie is visually and emotionally satisfying as a rom-com, if not as an exact adaptation.
  • Emily Bader’s and Tom Blyth’s performances are highlights, despite script limitations.
  • Emily Henry’s involvement as a producer and her cameo delighted fans.

• Movie vs. Book:

  • Movie: “refreshing,” “fun,” “serious moments,” “vibes.”
  • Book: deeper connection, more tension, richer character development.

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• [01:29] “...when I originally read it, I read Tower of Dawn right before and then I read People We Meet on Vacation and sometimes the fantasy to romance pipeline is really hard.” – Kennedy
• [03:31] “I think if I would have watched People We Meet on Vacation and then read it, I think I would have enjoyed it more.” – Kennedy
• [05:51] “I’ve seen a lot of people say that People We Meet on Vacation was a great movie, but it wasn’t a great adaptation.” – Reggie
• [08:13] “I want Emily Bader to star in literally everything from every rom com from now. Like, she was perfect.” – Reggie
• [11:46] “That was, you know, just a little bundle of joy from Tom Blyth. Moving those hips.” – Mikayla
• [12:34] “...there was a steamier cut that audiences didn’t like, so they decided to go with a more tame version, which is great.” – Kennedy
• [18:53] “I think the main thing that the movie did not portray well was how much Alex yearned for her… the yearning in the book is so top tier.” – Kennedy
• [19:39] “...could we not have had two seconds of her, like, falling asleep and him, like, just looking at her? Like, just a second of him just looking at her and just longing for her?” – Reggie
• [25:10] “They literally took Alex and made him just this vanilla man. There was no character depth towards him.” – Kennedy
• [29:39] “Well, and also when you’re in a character’s mind, you’re hearing all of their inner dialogue and you just don’t get that in a movie… left there was some room for depth. However, Emily Bader truly was a perfect poppy.” – Kennedy

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Segment Timestamps

• 00:10–01:15 | Introductions, themed party anecdotes, setup for book vs. movie conversation
• 01:16–04:57 | Initial book star ratings, reread reactions, Emily Henry’s interview on adaptation order
• 05:11–07:10 | General adaptation discourse, movie’s details vs. book’s depth, dual timeline discussion
• 08:03–13:00 | Praise for casting, production, and on-screen chemistry
• 13:12–16:19 | Group ratings of the movie, wardrobe and visual highlights
• 16:23–18:45 | Location changes and plot implications (Palm Springs to Barcelona)
• 18:46–21:01 | Depth and longing lost in the adaptation, missing “sick” scene
• 22:01–24:29 | Unpacking Sarah’s portrayal and the “proposal” scene
• 24:50–26:28 | Missed stakes, hometown vs. city life conflict, Tinder scene omission
• 26:43–29:39 | Forced proximity, location-based plot changes, comic additions, recap of missing depth vs. movie’s strengths
• 29:39–31:01 | Final thoughts on casting and performance, excitement for future adaptations
• 33:20–36:18 | Musings on dream casts, next adaptations, the actors’ potential
• 36:29–37:29 | Emily Henry’s involvement, final reflections, and wrap-up

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Overall Tone and Language

The conversation is candid, enthusiastic, and book-clubby. The hosts use casual, playful language (“iconic,” “slay the house down”, “bundle of joy”), interspersed with pointed criticisms or love for both the adaptation and source material. The episode is filled with laughter, mild exasperation over movie choices, and shared fangirl moments.

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Summary: For Listeners Who Haven’t Tuned In

If you adore comparing page to screen, this episode gives you an honest, energetic look at what People We Meet on Vacation gains and loses in translation to Netflix. You’ll get an affectionate breakdown of the book’s charm (especially Alex’s yearning), why certain beloved scenes hit differently (or were left out), which movie-only moments brought unexpected delight, and which adaptation decisions left the hosts frustrated. Whether you’re a book-first or movie-first fan, you’ll appreciate their nuanced discussion, especially if you like knowing what hardcore fans notice that casual viewers might not.

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Recommended for:
Emily Henry fans, rom-com enthusiasts, adaptation watchers, and anyone who loves a deep book chat with a bit of chaos and heart.

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Memorable Closing:

“Honestly, I’ll take any adaptations that are done well. And this was... the movie itself was really great.” – Mikayla [36:18] “Love you Emily Henry. This was a great first adaptation.” – Kennedy [36:14]

Transcript

[Kennedy]

Foreign.

[Mikayla]

Hi guys. Welcome back to I'll read what she's reading. I'm Mikayla.

[Reggie]

I'm Reggie.

[Kennedy]

And I'm Kennedy.

[Mikayla]

And today we're talking about people we meet on vacation by Emily Henry. Movie adaptation versus book.

[Reggie]

Oh, yeah.

[Mikayla]

I'm excited to talk to you guys about this. I feel like we've talked very little about like our actual thoughts.

[Kennedy]

Yeah.

[Mikayla]

Like the initial night when we watched it, if you haven't seen our videos.

[Kennedy]

From that night, we had to throw a themed party.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Reggie]

Stay on brand.

[Kennedy]

Listen, we wanted to do an event but we couldn't because Netflix.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

So.

[Mikayla]

Anyway, a lot of plans, but then we literally tried and it was not allowed. Yeah, I wasn't allowed to, so.

[Kennedy]

But we thought of you guys.

[Mikayla]

We thought like a pool party in the winter.

[Kennedy]

Middle of winter.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

Honestly, it cured my seasonal depression. So maybe that's why. Maybe that's why they launched it in the middle of winter. Yeah, it's a vibe.

[Mikayla]

It was a vibe.

[Kennedy]

So first we're going to talk about faves.

[Reggie]

Faves from the movie specifically. And then we'll kind of get into more of like the book versus the movie.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Reggie]

Real quick, what did you guys rate the book for? Because we recently reread it.

[Kennedy]

So originally I rated it, I think three stars. And then after rereading it, I rated it four because when I originally read it, I read Tower of Dawn right before and then I read People We Meet on Vacation and sometimes the fantasy to romance pipeline is really hard. I just kind of forgot how great Alex is in the book. Truly.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

But what did you rate it?

[Reggie]

Well, I gave it four the first time I read it and then I gave it five reading it the second time. But now that I'm like thinking about it, I love the book so much, but I'm like, I don't really know if I would say it is a five star read. Maybe it's like a 4.5, but I don't think I'd give it a full five. But right on my goodreads right now, potentially. It still says five. I don't know, but I just. It has a lot of what I like in a book. I love Friends to Lovers. I love a travel element. I love how funny Poppy is and how like serious. But then you get to. I don't know, there's a lot of love, but I don't know, there's. I still don't love the whole like, I get it, but I hate the whole thing with Sarah and the. I just, I'm Like, I feel, like, weird.

[Kennedy]

They're so in the movie. Oh, more so.

[Mikayla]

Yeah. Movie.

[Reggie]

For sure. And we'll get into that.

[Mikayla]

Gosh.

[Kennedy]

Now, did you re. When you originally read it, did you rate it Four stars and four stars the second time?

[Mikayla]

Yeah, I actually think I liked it less the second time because it was like a reread.

[Kennedy]

Yeah.

[Mikayla]

You know, and I'm like, there's not really. I, like, I know pretty much everything that's happening. It was still, like, a fun read, but I'm like, I usually tend to have a better experience reading books the first time than, like, the second time.

[Kennedy]

Yeah.

[Reggie]

Yeah.

[Mikayla]

Especially romance books. Um, yeah, I think.

[Kennedy]

Yeah, it was just like a. A four star. Were you guys glad that you reread it so close to the movie? No, I wish I wouldn't have reread it.

[Mikayla]

I wish I wouldn't have either.

[Kennedy]

Yes. And it's funny because I don't know if you guys saw this interview with Emily Henry where someone asked her, are you a book first or a movie? Movie first person. And she said, movie first.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

Which, honestly, I kind of like that idea because I usually. The book has a lot more detail, and so I think if I would have watched People we meet on vacation and then read it, I think I would have enjoyed it more. Does that make sense?

[Reggie]

Yeah.

[Mikayla]

Yeah, I think I just, like. I wish I wouldn't have read it as close to that. I wrote a note about it because, you know, we. We write notes, guys. We're prepared for episodes. I wish. Yeah. Maybe just because I feel like the entire time I was just, like, comparing the two because it was so new, but I think I read it, like, two years prior to that, and I would have been like, oh, yeah, that seems like it was a little different, But I literally finished it, like, two.

[Kennedy]

Days before we watched the movie.

[Mikayla]

So I was like. I knew exactly what was different about.

[Kennedy]

It, which is great for this podcast episode because we caught on to everything that was different. But experience wise, I agree with you. I think I would have. I enjoyed the movie.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

But I think I would have loved the movie that much more had I not read it before.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

Right. Before, anyways.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

But, yeah, I think I would have.

[Mikayla]

Had a similar experience either way, where if I would have watched the movie first before reading it, like, reading, I would have been like, why didn't they add this into the movie after the fact? So I don't think it would have necessarily mattered, but I did see that interview too, and she may have changed my mind. A little bit on some things.

[Kennedy]

Yeah.

[Mikayla]

The book is always. Usually better. Yeah. But I think if they were two completely separate things, like they had a completely different identities, meaning different names, you know, I love the movie still so much.

[Reggie]

Yeah.

[Mikayla]

As it's. As it itself. Yes. But comparing it to the book, you.

[Kennedy]

Know, I don't know. You're right. Books are usually better. I can't think of, off the top of my head, an adaptation. A book adaptation. That the movie is better.

[Reggie]

Yeah, I thought that. I think a lot of people said that about the House made that the book.

[Kennedy]

The movie's better.

[Reggie]

Yeah, a lot of people think the movie's better.

[Kennedy]

Interesting.

[Mikayla]

I didn't read. I didn't reread that one.

[Reggie]

Yeah, I didn't either.

[Kennedy]

So I. I don't.

[Reggie]

So maybe had I read the House made two days before.

[Kennedy]

Yeah.

[Reggie]

Differently.

[Kennedy]

But.

[Reggie]

Yeah. I've. I've seen people say. And I don't think everyone agrees with this.

[Mikayla]

Okay.

[Reggie]

But I've seen a lot of people say that People We Meet on Vacation was a great movie, but it wasn't a great adaptation.

[Mikayla]

Okay.

[Kennedy]

Yeah.

[Reggie]

Because there were a large number of things that were included, which we'll get to in a minute.

[Kennedy]

But I think if I hadn't read the book, a lot of the little. A lot of their inside jokes, they were able to sneak them into the movie. But if I hadn't read the book, it would feel very random that they included that.

[Mikayla]

What's the one.

[Kennedy]

They were sitting at a diner and he says something to her.

[Reggie]

Oh, the tiny fighter thing.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

And there was a few other things that Alex would say to her throughout the book that he didn't in the movie in the same context, which, as a reader, it was satisfying to see those things included. But if I hadn't read the book, I would be so, so confused.

[Mikayla]

Yeah. We had a few people that we were watching it with that hadn't read the book yet, and they were a little confused about, you know, like, the dual timeline. I feel like they went about that in a very interesting way. Like, it wasn't like a clear cut.

[Reggie]

I mean, it would say like seven summers ago or six summers ago.

[Mikayla]

But.

[Kennedy]

Why do you guys think that this was the first book they chose.

[Reggie]

To adopt by her? I don't. Probably just what got the rights first. Like, I don't think it was necessarily like, we need to do people we meet on vacation first. I think it's like more of the logistics.

[Kennedy]

Yeah.

[Reggie]

And like, who got the rights and who's moving at what speed. Because, like, Funny Story is the next one that's coming out. I'm screaming, that's one of her more recent books. So.

[Kennedy]

Well, anyways.

[Reggie]

But as far as our Face. Yeah. As far as our faves. From the movie itself, not just separate from the book. I will just start by saying that I thought the casting was very well done. I know that people were kind of freaking out at first because they were like, they're not blonde and they're supposed to be blonde. But I didn't think they needed to be.

[Kennedy]

I forgot about it, like, five minutes into the movie.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Reggie]

Like, just so well done. I mean, could Tom Blythe have been blonde? Yeah, he could have.

[Mikayla]

He sure could have.

[Reggie]

I just thought casting was perfect. I want Emily Bader to star in literally everything from every rom com from now. Like, she was perfect. And I just think the overall vibes, like the cinematography, the color, grading, everything about it was such a vibe. And I don't know what their budget was for this, but it felt pretty high budget because. Well, maybe I shouldn't say high budget, but you know how sometimes you watch, like, a rom com and just the way they shoot it just they could have, like, the most. The biggest actors and actresses ever, but they kind of shoot it in a way that feels a little Hallmarky. Yeah, this didn't feel Hallmark y at all. I thought it was excellent. I honestly am surprised. Like, I could see that, being in the theaters.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Reggie]

You know, I think either sometimes Netflix movies where I feel like you can't say that about every Netflix movie, but I would be able to say that about that. Um, yeah, it's very strange that they.

[Mikayla]

Didn'T, because I know that Netflix does release some movies in the theater, right?

[Reggie]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

Like Wake Up Dead Man.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

I almost wonder if. Because think about the first Knives out movie. It didn't get a limited release, right? I don't think it did. Yeah, it did. The very first one.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

Oh.

[Mikayla]

It was in the theaters.

[Kennedy]

I wonder if maybe there's a chance with her next adaptations, because I think Netflix has two more of them. Maybe with the success that people we meet have on Vacation has had, maybe they'll do it, because that's got to be more expensive.

[Reggie]

The other one, that's Netflix. I thought it was Happy Place was Netflix and it's a series.

[Kennedy]

Oh, I don't know. I do know Funny Story is Netflix.

[Reggie]

Oh, is it?

[Kennedy]

Yeah, I think so.

[Reggie]

Okay, never mind then. I don't know, but.

[Kennedy]

But I don't know. I could be wrong. So maybe fact Check me on that. Yeah. But I'm about to. Let me actually look this up, because I'm pretty sure it is.

[Mikayla]

I feel like the most info we've gotten about her books have been from Netflix.

[Kennedy]

Like, who other.

[Mikayla]

Who has picked up her stuff besides Netflix?

[Kennedy]

Yes. Okay. It is streaming on Netflix.

[Reggie]

Any story.

[Kennedy]

Yeah.

[Reggie]

Amazing. Do you think is. Do we know where Beatrid is going to be? Because at the end of the movie, he is holding an Augustus Everett book.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

Michaela paused the TV and ran it.

[Reggie]

So that would be kind of cool. That one's also for the cameos. Think of the cameos that they could potentially do if they keep it with Netflix.

[Kennedy]

I know.

[Reggie]

So I think people they meet in New Orleans. The book is different, but it says.

[Kennedy]

20Th Century Studios, so I would assume not Netflix.

[Reggie]

Oh, okay.

[Kennedy]

Because I don't think 20th Century does Netflix.

[Reggie]

I don't think so.

[Kennedy]

I don't know.

[Mikayla]

Interesting. I think my favorite part was him losing his clothes.

[Kennedy]

Oh, my gosh.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

The Full Moon.

[Mikayla]

Because that wasn't in the book. But it was a fun added part to the movie, I would say. Like, it added a lot of entertainment, made it funny, comical, but. And the. What's the dancing at the bar? It wasn't in there, right?

[Kennedy]

I don't know. I don't believe so.

[Mikayla]

Because it was either.

[Kennedy]

They met that couple at.

[Mikayla]

In Palm Springs.

[Kennedy]

Yes. And they had the same hotel as them or Airbnb area.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

I don't think the dancing was in the movie or the book.

[Mikayla]

I don't think so either. But that was, you know, just a little bundle of joy from Tom Blyth. Moving those hips.

[Reggie]

That was my favorite part.

[Mikayla]

Just.

[Kennedy]

Yeah.

[Mikayla]

So I would say those are my favorite parts from the movie. Which is funny because those weren't in the book.

[Kennedy]

I would say. Yeah. I mean, very similar to these guys. I thought the movie was visually stunning. And I loved the dance scene. It just. But also part of the reason why I loved it so much is because the group of people you're watching with and just being able to react like that with your friends was really fun. I'm trying to think if there's anything else outside of what you guys said. Oh, the dress scene when she's like, can you zip up my dress?

[Mikayla]

And he walks up to her, he said, no.

[Kennedy]

Yeah. And what I find so funny is the fact that there was a steamier cut that audiences didn't like, so they decided to go with a more tame version, which is great. I loved what we got. It was. It was Fantastic. I also felt like they had good chemistry, but I've been seeing online a lot of people saying that they thought they didn't have chemistry.

[Mikayla]

Oh, really? I thought they had great chemistry.

[Reggie]

So did I. I feel like maybe it's because how opposite their characters are.

[Kennedy]

Yeah.

[Reggie]

But I kind of feel like specifically with him losing his clothes scene, because one thing that I watched it with my husband, and he was saying it skipped to their first trip, and he was like, oh, wait, how did they become friends? Like, well, we just watched them become friends, but he was like, I feel like they needed to clarify a little bit more of what happened during that time jump.

[Kennedy]

Yeah.

[Mikayla]

Because we get that.

[Kennedy]

Yeah.

[Mikayla]

In the book. Yeah.

[Reggie]

But. Yeah. Because it would have been interesting to kind of see a little bit more of that in the movie. But I wonder if that's why people kind of. Maybe it's people who didn't read the.

[Kennedy]

Book, because they are. But literally, complete opposite.

[Reggie]

Yes.

[Kennedy]

Yeah.

[Mikayla]

An unlikely match, for sure.

[Kennedy]

But also, they don't even have the same.

[Reggie]

Like, with him losing his clothes, that whole. I think that's where it kind of solidifies some of their chemistry because, you know, he's turning into vacation Alex, and he's. She. She's seeing this fun side to him, and then she notices, like, wait, he's kind of attractive. You know what I mean? And they're, like, in these close quarters in the tent.

[Kennedy]

Yeah.

[Mikayla]

I thought they have great, great chemistry. I think some of the storytelling was not as well done in the movie as well done in the book, especially because, like, I feel like from the moment they're meeting to the road trip, to, like, their first trip, they do, like, montages of them, like, studying together. Him at her apartment, she at his apartment. You know, like. And it could. How easy would have been to, like, literally take 15 seconds to just do small clips of them, like, hanging out at college and showing, like, their relationship progressing, you know, because I don't think it could have. It didn't need to be, like, that long of thing, but just to kind of, like, the storytelling.

[Kennedy]

Yeah. Set the foundation for everything else that goes on. Yeah. Yeah.

[Mikayla]

But that probably would have required a bigger budget as well.

[Kennedy]

Yeah, yeah. Just like, more sets and.

[Mikayla]

Yeah, yeah, for sure.

[Kennedy]

I'm just so happy for Emily Henry, really. And honestly, and as obviously you're listening to this, us here, we're all readers. I just keep trying to tell people who don't read, like, if you love rom coms, please just try romance novels. And now I'm just really Excited for all of these authors to be able to bring romcoms back.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

Because it's just so fun.

[Mikayla]

So fun. Her little cameo at the wedding was so great. We're like, that's Emily Henry.

[Kennedy]

The two girls who hadn't read the books.

[Mikayla]

They're like, huh? Yeah, that was really fun.

[Kennedy]

All right, overall. Wait, overall, what did you guys rate the movie, like, out of five?

[Mikayla]

Yeah, I can't remember what I rated it on.

[Reggie]

I don't know.

[Kennedy]

I think you rated it four stars.

[Mikayla]

Letterbox. I think it was four.

[Kennedy]

I rated it four. Yeah.

[Reggie]

A four.

[Mikayla]

I feel like.

[Reggie]

It just feels refreshing to watch a movie like that.

[Mikayla]

Yeah. Fun. It had serious moments. It had comedic relief. Like, really funny moments. The color, grading, beautiful, summery fun. I just. The vibe, the blue wig, iconic.

[Reggie]

Literally.

[Kennedy]

The.

[Reggie]

Yeah, they.

[Kennedy]

The wardrobe, every. It just.

[Mikayla]

Yeah, everything was perfect. How do you guys feel about them? I know logistically, we've talked about why they didn't have all the locations in the book, but how do you guys feel about the changing from Palm Springs to Barcelona? Barcelona.

[Kennedy]

When I first found out that that was the case, I was kind of annoyed. But as I was watching the movie, I honestly kind of forgot about it. It didn't really. I didn't really care.

[Reggie]

Yeah, we did like a question box on Instagram asking you guys, like, what thing from the book were you most bugged about that didn't make it into the movie. And a lot of people said the location part of it, which I found interesting because we can get to this in a second. But obviously the her getting to the wedding is a lot different in the movie versus the book. But I feel as if it makes sense why they moved it to Barcelona. I would have it. I just wish they could have changed, you know, kept it a little more true to the book. With the storyline of them actually doing a trip together, I can see why they cut it out, but I didn't have any problems with it being in Barcelona versus Springs.

[Kennedy]

The location didn't bother me more. So, like you said, do the circumstance.

[Reggie]

Of how they got there.

[Mikayla]

Yeah, it very much just changes the circumstance. Like, Palm Springs versus Barcelona is a very different trip storyline. And it wasn't necessarily Barcelona, but, like, them going to, like, the Museum of Dinosaurs and, like, him almost getting, like, heat stroke and, you know, like, there's a lot of moments that really solidifies their care for each other that it was just missed in the movie. And I don't know, it's just. Yeah, it's just hard. I loved the movie a lot. But comparing it to, like, what the. What Alex character is like in the book is very, very, very different.

[Kennedy]

Should we get into our Leafs phase? Because that's my number one least fave.

[Mikayla]

Yeah, let's go.

[Kennedy]

I think the main thing that the movie did not portray well was how much Alex yearned for her.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

And just he.

[Reggie]

He was just.

[Kennedy]

I remember finishing the book and thinking to myself, I forgot how much he, like, the yearning in the book is so top tier. And I didn't get any of that from him in the movie. In fact, at times, he almost just felt so standoffish towards her, which I. That is his character.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

But it was not. He was never standoffish to Poppy in the book.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

At the beginning, maybe, but I just think we didn't get enough of him.

[Mikayla]

Yeah. Like, my favorite scene in the book is her being sick.

[Kennedy]

Oh.

[Mikayla]

And it just wasn't done well in the movie.

[Kennedy]

Well, that's literally the turning point of the relationship.

[Reggie]

I almost even wanted. Because I wanted that scene to be so much longer. And I know we were really disappointed by that. That's probably one of my biggest things. But, like, could we not have had two seconds of her, like, falling asleep and him, like, just looking at her? Like, just a second of him just looking at her and just longing for her? Because obviously him turning around to come back and take care of her means he truly loves and cares about her.

[Kennedy]

Right.

[Reggie]

But I feel like we needed this little, like, the tension because there was that kind of tension in the dancing scene, but we didn't feel any of the tension in the six scene, which. That's where I feel like the weight of the tension should have been.

[Mikayla]

Mm.

[Reggie]

Like, we didn't need to have the, like, shower scene, I guess, or whatever, but, like, a montage of them while she's sick or even just a little glance of him?

[Kennedy]

Just because genuinely, in the book, that's, like, where. Obviously, it's a romance book. You know where it's headed. But that's where it was, this moment where, oh, this is gonna be more than just friendship.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Reggie]

Yeah.

[Mikayla]

Like, Poppy also realized, like, he's dropping everything to come take care of me. And I feel like she had this, like, moral, conflicting feeling because she's like, he's my best friend. And I think she had a hard time putting, like, best friend and love of my life into one word.

[Kennedy]

Yeah.

[Reggie]

Well, and also there was that emphasis for a short second in the movie where it was like, that was my favorite trip.

[Mikayla]

Give us.

[Reggie]

Why was it Your favorite trip? Why was it your favorite trip? They glazed over it so quickly. Yeah.

[Kennedy]

Once again, it's one of those things that he said that and all the readers knew, like, if you know, you know. But people who had never read the.

[Mikayla]

Book, it's like, why would that be your favorite trip? Yeah.

[Reggie]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

Cause you're missing so much context.

[Reggie]

I had to, like, pause it and explain it to Ken because he's like. I was like, this is their favorite trip. Norway. And he's all like, cool, we've been to Nora. He's like, excited to see. And then don't actually go. And then he's like, wait, why was that their favorite trip?

[Mikayla]

I just.

[Kennedy]

Because I remember sitting there with everyone watching it, and I remember getting so excited and I was sitting next to Reggie and Michaela was across the couch. And then it cuts to whatever present day, and I remember looking at Michaela and I was like, that's it.

[Reggie]

I thought we hopefully come back to it.

[Kennedy]

Nope.

[Mikayla]

No. Another dislike.

[Reggie]

Sorry.

[Mikayla]

Are we moved on from.

[Kennedy]

Yeah, we've moved on from the 6th.

[Reggie]

We can.

[Kennedy]

I moved on.

[Mikayla]

We moved on. Do you think we have.

[Kennedy]

We're done. We're salty.

[Mikayla]

Another thing that I didn't love was the Sarah part in the movie, because I think it made Poppy to be out this really terrible person, to be like this girl that's like, you know, intermixing herself in a relationship, when in reality, in the book, Poppy knew Alex first and they were best friends before he started dating Sarah. But in the movie, it's like his high school sweetheart, you know? I don't know.

[Reggie]

It just.

[Kennedy]

I don't know.

[Reggie]

Tell me your thoughts on it.

[Mikayla]

It also makes Alex look like a douche. Yeah.

[Kennedy]

And him.

[Reggie]

The proposal on their own. Like, after they kiss. After. Well, they don't even kiss.

[Kennedy]

They don't kiss.

[Mikayla]

No, they almost do.

[Reggie]

They almost do in the book. Did they kiss?

[Kennedy]

No.

[Mikayla]

I can't remember.

[Kennedy]

I can't remember.

[Reggie]

But yeah, it just made him look so bad.

[Kennedy]

Horrible.

[Reggie]

In the book, you don't get that, Like, I can understand. It adds a little more drama for the sake of the movie. And when you can't include a ton of context, maybe I can see how it would maybe not be as exciting of a watch. You know what I mean? But I just felt. Yeah, it just made him look so bad. And you know, that book. Alex would never have done that.

[Kennedy]

No.

[Reggie]

Never.

[Mikayla]

Yeah. And then don't get me started on the proposal. That was like a jump scare, I think, for all of us. All of us. Were like, what? Huh?

[Reggie]

Did you guys not see that clip on TikTok before? No, I did. I knew it was coming, so I was, like, already mad. I literally was scrolling on TikTok. I don't even know if the movie had officially come out yet. And it was like a.

[Kennedy]

A pre release, like a.

[Reggie]

It was just a little thing that popped up. I don't know if it was from Netflix, but the clip was Emily Bader and the Lucian. Lucian guy. What. Whatever his name is in the book. And he's like, come see this. And then Sarah's like, holds out. And I was like, I saw that. And I. And I just finished the book. I'm like, wait, I was so mad. So, yeah, it's a bad look for him. It shows a little bit more of, like, his conflict.

[Mikayla]

But also.

[Reggie]

No, I've missed the mark.

[Kennedy]

I also kind of feel like it wasn't. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't feel like the movie articulated just how much he wanted to live in that. In their hometown and just be a hometown boy, have a simple life. And she didn't want that. Like, I don't feel like that conflict was really reiterated a lot in the movie.

[Reggie]

I feel like it was just like that brief dinner scene with. When there's that tension, but that they.

[Kennedy]

Have multiple conversations about that. Oh, the Tinder scene. They also didn't include that.

[Mikayla]

Oh, yeah.

[Kennedy]

When he's like, I would swipe right on you.

[Reggie]

Yeah, it needed something like that.

[Kennedy]

They literally took Alex and made him just this vanilla man.

[Mikayla]

He.

[Kennedy]

There was no character depth towards him. I mean, we don't learn about his mother dying in childbirth. He doesn't get a freaking vasectomy. Vasectomy. He. He has no love declaration to her. But he does in the book. Yeah. Because it's, like, epic.

[Mikayla]

It's Emily or, I guess Poppy. Yes.

[Kennedy]

And also there's a line where Poppy says something like, you're too good for me or something. And he goes, I am in the movie. And Alex in the book would never say that. He would never. He would never say that. Honestly, to me, if they would have portrayed Alex in the way he is in the book, I think the movie would have been five stars. That, for me, was. Was just it.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

Yeah.

[Mikayla]

I don't know.

[Reggie]

How do you guys feel about the way they. I know we briefly touched on this, her getting to Barcelona. Do you think they could have done it like the book and done. I don't think they could have successfully done it like a vacation. You Know what I mean? But, like, rr just being like, yeah, sure, go ahead. Well, we're in the book. They were like.

[Kennedy]

No, that's the other weird thing I feel like they didn't really include in the movie. Is that how, like, Poppy's professional side, you don't really get to see that in the movie as much, but it.

[Mikayla]

Does honestly changes the plot a lot, though. Yeah, it's like a completely different plot. It still has the same characters, but.

[Reggie]

It'S, like, probably would have had to explain things a little more because if they were on a vacation, it would be kind of hard to, like, show everything that happens on vacation. But it's crazy because in the book, from the time she gets to Palm Springs to the time of the wedding is, like, almost a week. But in the movie, it's literally like, two days. Yeah.

[Mikayla]

I think what I also miss about, like, the plot from Palm Springs is, like, the forced proximity, because with him being at her apartment didn't make very much sense to me. Or, like, the Airbnb that she got in Barcelona. Like, I know that he hurt his back, but, like, why was he there in the first place?

[Reggie]

Because he wanted to walk her up to her.

[Kennedy]

He gave her a ride from the airport, and then they walked in and her AC wasn't working.

[Reggie]

So then he tries to fix it, and that's when he hurts his butt.

[Kennedy]

It's just kind of one of those things where why change that tiny detail? That really does change the plot. And also, like, the scene where Alex loses his clothes in the movie, she, like, makes a conscious decision to go back with Alex. Like, there was no mention of death or a weird tattoo in the book. But then in the movie, she's like, ooh, I'm thinking about my dead grandma. I'm not in the mood anymore. So I just kind of feel like the tiny little decisions they made for the movie kind of took away just, like, all of those times that they were choosing each other without realizing they were choosing each other.

[Mikayla]

Well said. Yeah.

[Reggie]

Yeah.

[Mikayla]

Because the book, she just says, even.

[Reggie]

Even in the movie, when Buck, he's like, you should go check on him, she's like, yeah, I probably should. Like, it should have been her. Like, in the book, it's her idea to go find Alex. You know what I mean? So, yeah, that's well said.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

I mean, him carrying that statue, though, that was pretty comical.

[Mikayla]

That was really funny. I mean, they did add a lot of parts, in my opinion, that weren't in the book that were really funny and added to the value of the movie, I think, I don't think it was just like, let's stick something funny in this scene. It, I think it added things overall, brought back, you know, the rom com feel. I think the movie just lacked a lot of depth.

[Reggie]

Absolutely.

[Mikayla]

Yeah. And I, I get it. It's hard to include depth in movies sometimes when words, you know, can do it a lot better.

[Kennedy]

Well, and also when you're in a character's mind, you're hearing all of their inner dialogue and you just don't get that in a movie. Yeah. So, yeah, I agree. Left there was some room for depth. However, Emily Bader truly was a perfect poppy.

[Reggie]

She played the role very well.

[Mikayla]

I don't think it's who I envisioned at the beginning. When they, like, first announced the cast, I was like, okay, like, this isn't my first pick. But after, like, watching it and seeing, I, I, I love them. And I don't think anybody else could have done a better job than those two. Absolutely. They played the characters perfectly.

[Reggie]

So fun.

[Mikayla]

Besides him being a little vanilla, but, like, all of his great scenes were done so good. Like, I mean, Vacation Alex was played so well.

[Kennedy]

It wasn't his fault the character was vanilla. Yeah, yeah, he did a great job.

[Mikayla]

He really did.

[Kennedy]

Their comedic timing, once again, their chemistry just. There was so much that worked so well for the movie. And like I said, I think if I hadn't read the book, I probably would have loved the movie that much more.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

So, yeah. Anything else we want to add?

[Reggie]

There's still a lot of things we could say that they'd miss from the book, but I feel like we covered the big, biggest things, so. Yeah, they haven't come up with a.

[Mikayla]

Cast for any other Emily Henry movies.

[Reggie]

Correct.

[Kennedy]

Hey, I did hear that she followed Dylan o' Brien on Instagram. Imagine if he plays Miles.

[Reggie]

Guys, I'm really set now with freaking Joe Keery being Miles.

[Kennedy]

I don't even care. I don't care.

[Mikayla]

Who's Miles?

[Kennedy]

I don't care.

[Reggie]

Steve. Steve.

[Mikayla]

I honestly, in my opinion, a lot of people are like, these are my perfect cast for Emily Henry books. I swiped through them. I'm like, oh, yeah, that'd be great. Oh, yeah, that'd be great. Like, I don't feel like I have someone specific in mind. They just have to play the character good. And I think a lot of people could do that. And then after the movie comes out and if they do a good job, I'm gonna be like, they were the perfect cast.

[Kennedy]

Well, I mean, look what Just happened with Emily Bader and Tom Blythe. Yeah.

[Reggie]

Yeah.

[Mikayla]

But I watched My Lady Jane and as soon as I watched My Lady Jane, I was like, she's gonna slay the house down. I love her in my legit. Everyone thought she was English. Oh.

[Kennedy]

I saw her interviews where they were talking about her English accent.

[Mikayla]

Like, I literally had no idea until she's like. Yeah, I just had. I was like. I was so impressed like, that. It was so good. She's so good. It's just a fun little.

[Reggie]

Yeah, I think it was really fun to see Tom Blythe in a more fun role like this because he said in a lot of interviews, like, I usually am playing a more serious thing. Like, he was surprised that he got the role of Alex because. Yeah, he's just like, I haven't really done anything TikTok like this that got him.

[Mikayla]

Not. Not that he's not talented, but everyone was having a heart throb over him on the Thirst trapped. Yeah.

[Reggie]

Yeah.

[Mikayla]

Well, if you think about it, I'm sure that also plays a big role in deciding things because I feel like they like to cast people that are relevant because then more people are going to see their movies if, like, Tom Blythe edits. Probably someone's making one per day or at least one every other day.

[Kennedy]

No, more.

[Mikayla]

So, like, it probably had a good influence because he did so good at Snow and everyone was like, he's sexy as hell being a bad guy.

[Kennedy]

Let's make him a good guy. Yeah.

[Reggie]

Yeah. I'm really excited to see where their careers take them just after seeing them in this. Especially Emily Bader because I literally had only heard of her from My Lady Jane before all this. So she's got a successful road ahead of her.

[Mikayla]

Yeah. I just.

[Kennedy]

So does Tom.

[Reggie]

But he's already been. Yeah. I don't know.

[Kennedy]

I mean, if you guys had to pick, I mean, I have a guess on what adaptation is going to be next, but let's say we had no idea. Out of the remaining Emily Henry books, what would be your pick for the next adaptation?

[Mikayla]

Book lover?

[Reggie]

I don't really have a preference.

[Mikayla]

I'd say book lovers are Happy Place.

[Reggie]

I'm pretty sure all of them are supposed to be movies except for Happy Places, a series, which I get.

[Mikayla]

I get. There's the friendship dynamic that. Yeah, I don't know. Honestly, I'll take what I can get.

[Kennedy]

Yeah. I think. I mean, Funny Story is my favorite book by her, but honestly, I'm really excited for Beach Read.

[Mikayla]

I'm excited for beach read. Yeah.

[Kennedy]

With Gus. Yes. You know, I get to this day. To this day. I feel like some of Emily Henry's titles should be flip flopped and switched.

[Mikayla]

Sorry, I was getting. I. Yeah. Beach read. Yeah.

[Kennedy]

With Augustus.

[Mikayla]

Yes. Yeah.

[Reggie]

The.

[Kennedy]

He.

[Reggie]

Overwhelmed that she exists.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

I'm overwhelmed. When you. Something about sleep.

[Mikayla]

Yes.

[Kennedy]

Overwhelm it.

[Mikayla]

Yes.

[Kennedy]

That one.

[Mikayla]

Yep. That one.

[Kennedy]

They're like riding in the cottages.

[Mikayla]

Yes.

[Kennedy]

And they're like enemies kind of. They're like.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

Rival. Not rival authors, but.

[Mikayla]

Yeah.

[Reggie]

Yeah.

[Mikayla]

No, that would be so good.

[Reggie]

I'm excited to just see the casting.

[Mikayla]

I'm just.

[Reggie]

But I do think Funny Story is for sure.

[Mikayla]

Next.

[Kennedy]

I think so, too. So that will be very interesting to see how they.

[Mikayla]

It takes place in a vineyard, Right. Mostly in a vineyard.

[Kennedy]

Funny story. She's like a librarian. Yeah. And they're roommates.

[Mikayla]

He's.

[Kennedy]

Yeah.

[Mikayla]

Which one's the vineyard?

[Reggie]

Vineyard.

[Kennedy]

Vineyard.

[Mikayla]

He works at, like a bar.

[Kennedy]

Oh, it is him. Yeah, that's right. Funny story. Oh, he does work at a vineyard as like a wine sommelier or bartender.

[Mikayla]

Something that's. Yes. My brain was just going to. Yes. One particular scene where he was the bartender and she was there. Was she on a date?

[Kennedy]

I think she's with her friend.

[Mikayla]

Oh, with a friend.

[Kennedy]

Okay.

[Mikayla]

Okay. I don't know why that stood out to me in the book. I'm very excited.

[Kennedy]

You know, the person I originally picked pictured was what's his face from New Girl. Because he is just Schmidt.

[Reggie]

Nick Miller.

[Kennedy]

Nick Miller.

[Mikayla]

Oh, Nick. I don't know why.

[Reggie]

Yeah, he does give Nick Miller vibes. Nick Miller vibes. Anyways, I'm really set on Joe Kerry right now, but I know I'll be happy with whoever.

[Kennedy]

You know what, though? You could honestly track, because like Michaela said, they.

[Mikayla]

They cast people who are really popular.

[Kennedy]

And after Stranger Things.

[Reggie]

Because I really want to see Joe Kerry in a rom com. I don't care what it is. I think put him in a rom com, please.

[Kennedy]

You could smash it. You would.

[Mikayla]

He has got that charismatic charm. Charm. He would be funny. He could. He could do the funny.

[Reggie]

He can do the comedic timing.

[Kennedy]

He's like the lovable. Okay. I. I love Miles to death. He's like kind of a lovable loser.

[Reggie]

Yeah.

[Kennedy]

In the nicest way possible.

[Reggie]

Yes.

[Kennedy]

Yeah. Love you, Emily. Henry. This was a great first adaptation.

[Mikayla]

Yeah. I'm honestly just like, so excited. And I will take any adaptations that are done well. And this was. It was done like the movie itself was really great.

[Kennedy]

Yeah.

[Mikayla]

Not.

[Reggie]

She was also very involved in like the press tour, the casting. Like I didn't realize how involved she was until I've been seeing stuff from the press tour. But very proud of her.

[Mikayla]

Yeah, I think it's awesome. Get your bag girl. I am your bag.

[Kennedy]

I am a little sad we're not getting a book from her this year. But if it means I get more movies, sure.

[Mikayla]

I'm so excited. Anyways, let us know in the comments which one you liked better, the book or the movie? I'm curious to know your guys thoughts because maybe your thoughts are different from ours and you really like the movie a lot more than the book. I think they're both really great. Also, we have an exciting launch this Friday the 30th for our Valentine's Day launch. We have a brand new mock neck. It's gorgeous. So cute. And we have two Kindle cases that we are just obsessed with and they're just, you know, very love bomby. You know, just like Valentine's scream at you and it's just so cute. We're so excited about them. Come out Friday the 30th at 10:00am Mountain Standard Time. See you guys next week.

[Kennedy]

Bye.