Netflix's latest romantic offering, People We Meet on Vacation, has captured the hearts of viewers with its charming friends-to-lovers storyline. However, a leading relationship expert has delivered a stark verdict, suggesting the central couple, Poppy and Alex, would be doomed to fail in the real world.
A Tale of Opposites Attracting
The film, which began streaming on Netflix in January 2026, is an adaptation of Emily Henry's beloved 2021 novel. It follows the decade-long friendship between free-spirited travel writer Poppy (Emily Bader) and cautious, stability-seeking teacher Alex (Tom Blyth). The story charts their annual summer trips together, culminating in a slow-burn realisation of deeper feelings.
While director Brett Haley has successfully translated the book's magic to the screen, prompting fans to fall in love with the pair all over again, the foundation of their romance is being called into question by professionals.
Expert Analysis: A Recipe for Real-World Tension
In an exclusive interview with The Mirror, Claire Rénier, a relationship expert for the dating app happn, analysed the couple's dynamic. She pointed to a fundamental lack of alignment in their lifestyle choices and core personalities as a major red flag.
"Whilst Poppy is spontaneous, adventurous and constantly searching for excitement, Alex is thoughtful, risk-averse and values stability," Rénier explained. She acknowledged that their opposing natures create compelling on-screen chemistry, as each offers what the other lacks. However, she warned that without honest conversations and significant compromise, this very dynamic would likely cause serious friction in a real-life partnership.
The Communication Breakdown
Beyond their mismatched lifestyles, the expert identified another critical flaw: their prolonged avoidance of confessing their feelings. The 'slow-burn' trope, while popular in fiction, is not a hallmark of a healthy relationship foundation.
"Another potential issue is how long they avoid communication about their romantic feelings, harbouring this for years in fear of ruining their friendship," Rénier stated. She emphasised that years of emotional avoidance can establish damaging habits that are difficult to unlearn once a romantic relationship finally begins.
While Poppy and Alex ultimately find their happy ending within Emily Henry's fictional universe, the expert's analysis suggests viewers should think twice before using their relationship as a blueprint for their own love lives. The film serves as a delightful escape, but its central romance may be built on shaky real-world ground.
