Grace Ostrosky, Arts and Life Editor
It might seem cliche that a rom-com made me reconsider everything about myself, but I’m just the girl I’ve always been.
Years ago, when I was much too young to read a new adult romance novel, I read “People We Meet on Vacation,” by Emily Henry. I finished it in one sitting, on a road trip to the Outer Banks with my family. I’m sure I blasted Taylor Swift through my headphones and zoned out while staring out the window. I loved it. To this day, I still read everything Emily Henry publishes and was looking forward to the Netflix movie adaption of “People We Meet On Vacation” with Emily Bader and Tom Blyth.
Let me just start by saying: I was absolutely blown away by this adaptation. I will admit it was not the most accurate; there was a lot changed from the order of events, the significance of specific characters, et cetera. Most adaptations diverge significantly from the source material…it is a natural byproduct of adaptations. However, Bader portrayed Poppy Wright exactly how I imagined and had incredible comedic timing (“That’s so cool…doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a little casual sax.”).
Tom Blyth has been one of my favorite actors since “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” and it was awesome to see him as Alex Nilsen. To me, the talent and dedication of these actors were better than having a completely accurate adaptation and “People We Meet On Vacation” is on the list of my favorite rom-coms of all time!
Something that really struck me throughout the movie that I forgot about the book: Poppy is so completely herself.
I absolutely love that about her!
I genuinely believe that in the current wave of conservatism that we’re seeing in the United States, girls and women are watering themselves down, dulling themselves and tarnishing in order to fit society’s expectations. I have noticed myself pretending in hopes that I will finally “fit in” somewhere.
I think it is important to have characters that the masses resonate with, but, in this time of rising conservatism, I think it is more important to have characters who defy the social mold, think differently and follow their dreams no matter what.
Poppy is one of those characters, although she may not be relatable to every girl or woman who watches. She drops out of college to pursue writing, refuses for years to stay in one place because she yearns to see the world and is outgoing, bold and brave. She is passionate in everything she does. When she hurts Alex, her best friend and the love of her life, she learns from it, takes accountability and does what she can to remedy the situation. And, because of Alex’s understanding and love for all of Poppy, they can be together.
Like Poppy, I am not “too much.” I am allowed to be who I am, without holding back, without folding into myself. Women and girls are allowed to be who they are, without holding back or folding into themselves.
Anyway, I have the tendency to ramble. I loved the Netflix adaptation of “People We meet On Vacation.”
Grace Ostrosky ‘28 is a creative writing and journalism major from Cleveland.