> At a Glance
> – Jameela Jamil calls People We Meet on Vacation “the comeback of the good rom-com”
> – The film debuted on Netflix on January 9, 2026
> – Jamil credits co-stars Tom Blyth and Emily Bader as “the perfect lovers on-screen”
> > Why it matters: With global tensions high, Jamil says the breezy love story offers viewers the comfort and optimism they crave right now.
Netflix’s newest romantic comedy has a high-profile cheerleader in Jameela Jamil, who walked the January 6 premiere in Los Angeles and told News Of Los Angeles the genre is finally “back.”
A Rom-Com for Bleak Times
Jamil, who plays Poppy’s boss Swapna, says the project gave her “some of the most fun I’ve ever had at my job.” She believes its hopeful tone is exactly what audiences need.
> “Given how bleak everything is, this is what we need in the world right now,” she explained.
Cast Chemistry
The actress praised the central duo:
- Tom Blyth as travel blogger Alex
- Emily Bader as his best-friend-turned-love-interest Poppy
> “I’m obsessed with them,” Jamil gushed, predicting viewers will fall for their chemistry.
Genre Critique
Jamil misses the smart rom-coms of past decades.
> “A lot of rom-coms nowadays get dumbed down, and that’s not what we grew up with,” she noted, crediting director Brett Haley for reversing the trend.
Cast at a Glance
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Tom Blyth | Alex |
| Emily Bader | Poppy |
| Jameela Jamil | Swapna |
| Sarah Catherine Hook | – |
| Lucien Laviscount | – |
| Lukas Gage | – |
| Alan Ruck | – |
| Molly Shannon | – |
Key Takeaways
- People We Meet on Vacation is the first Emily Henry novel adapted for film
- Jamil insists its blend of humor and heart revives the classic rom-com formula
- The movie is streaming now on Netflix
Jamil’s verdict is simple: press play and let the genre’s comeback brighten your watchlist.
