Quick context for People We Meet On Vacation
I don’t know about you guys, but I LOVE connecting with people. The only thing is, first interactions with people can sometimes be really daunting. You could play We’re Not Really Strangers– that game in incredible, but if you don’t have it? There’s this age-old adage, though: Treating people like you already know them is key to connecting.
There’s more nuance to it, though- and my favorite scene in Netflix’s new hit romance movie, “People We Meet On Vacation,” reveals that nuance. Light spoilers ahead! If you like romance and haven’t watched it, I humbly recommend doing so.
For context, the two main leads, Alex and Poppy, are on vacation together. (The movie explores their relationship on the vacations they go together over the course of several years, similar to Heated rivalry, which I also love by the way!)
They’re just friends… at least at this point in the movie.Â
Regardless, on this vacation, they’re in New Orleans, and while at a cafe, they see another couple get free beignets because they’re on their honeymoon.
So, Poppy sees that, slips a ring off her right ring finger, and onto her left ring finger, and thus begins their adventure as “newlyweds.” They go around getting tons of free goodies and having a blast, when they finally get to a bar… and this is where my favorite scene from the whole movie begins.
Surprise! The real newlywed couple from earlier makes a reappearance, and they strike up a conversation.
Poppy, continuing their newlywed charade, introduces them with entirely fake identities, and man, she’s a good liar.
Alex? Less so, but he commits to the bit, and considering both of them have been drinking, they have perfectly realistic stories, with Poppy helping Alex sound more believable.
The real newlyweds ask them how they met, and Poppy boldly declares that they met on vacation and that Alex was undercover as a professional dancer. Having no idea if Alex has any dance expertise or if he has two left feet, she tells the real newlyweds about how their FIRST DANCE was fully choreographed by Alex.
Obviously, the real newlyweds ask for a video, and instead of saying they don’t have one, she goes all in, asking the bartender to play their first dance song, allowing them to recreate their entire first dance. A master of committing to the bit, and seconds later, she’s on the dance floor, beckoning Alex to join her.
He hesitates, of course, but eventually does something uncharacteristic for him, and actually joins her, revealing incredibly dance moves that shock everyone in the room, including her. Their chemistry is pouring out of the screen at this point.
There is SO much to love about this scene- the excitable couple who egg on the two leads, the shot of liquid courage Alex takes before running to the dance floor, the bartender with his fantastic one liner, “You gonna keep that beautiful woman out there waiting?”
It’s delightful, and there’s a core principle that I want to point out that underlines why this scene is so good, which can also easily apply in real life for promoting amazing connections.
Go all out! Don’t half-ass stuff- whether it be serious or funny, going all out makes people appreciate you, and often join in. People appreciate dedication and energy, and when combined with a friendly attitude, creates life-long friends.
Peace!
Joey.