Fans of the romantic novel People We Meet on Vacation may soon get to see the film adaptation as they originally hoped. Following significant fan disappointment over a missing explicit scene, the film's director and the book's author have revealed they are in discussions about releasing an adult director's cut.
Why the Fan-Favourite Scene Was Cut
The film, which premiered on Netflix, adapted Emily Henry's bestselling book but omitted a pivotal and steamy sex scene between the main characters, Poppy and Alex. Actors Tom Blyth and Emily Bader reportedly filmed the scene in its entirety, but it was ultimately removed after test screenings.
Emily Henry explained to Variety magazine that audiences unfamiliar with the source material felt the explicit moment was a "hard right turn" for the movie's tone. Consequently, the final version shows the couple kissing before cutting to the next morning, a stark contrast to the book's detailed and intimate description.
Hope for a Steamier Release
Despite the cut, hope is not lost for fans eager to see the scene. Both director Brett Haley and author Emily Henry have publicly teased the possibility of a special version. "Brett and I have also talked about, I wonder if someday there could be a director’s cut where people can see this scene?" Henry said.
She passionately defended the scene's quality, calling it "gorgeous and perfect," and even told friends it was one of the sexiest she'd ever seen. "It feels so tender and real, but very, very sexy and romantic, and it just didn’t fit in the movie," she added, hinting that it might find a home in an alternative release.
What a Director's Cut Would Mean
The potential adult version would likely be released directly on Netflix, offering viewers the complete narrative as originally envisioned. The scene in question occurs towards the film's climax when Alex and Poppy finally confess their feelings and spend the night together before a friend's wedding.
While no official release date has been set, the confirmation that talks are underway has ignited excitement among the book's dedicated fanbase, who have been vocal about their desire to see the iconic moment portrayed on screen.
The final decision will hinge on negotiations and platform agreements, but the creative team's openness suggests that a steamier cut of People We Meet on Vacation could become a reality for streaming audiences in the future.
