The author of the hit romantic novel People We Meet on Vacation has opened up about why a pivotal and explicit sex scene was significantly toned down for its recent Netflix film adaptation. Emily Henry confirmed that a much steamier version, faithful to her book, was actually filmed but ultimately left on the cutting room floor.
The Scene That Sparked Fan Curiosity
Ever since Netflix announced the adaptation of Emily Henry's beloved friends-to-lovers story, readers have been eager to see how key moments would translate to screen. The film, starring Emily Bader and Tom Blyth as Poppy and Alex, has been warmly received. However, fans quickly noted the absence of a detailed intimate scene that occurs towards the story's climax, when the pair finally confess their feelings.
In the novel, the encounter is described in explicit detail. In the movie, however, the scene cuts away after a passionate kiss, jumping straight to the morning after. This left many wondering what happened to the rawer version from the page.
Why the 'Gorgeous' Scene Was Removed
Speaking to Variety, Emily Henry shed light on the decision. She revealed that director Brett Haley did indeed shoot a complete version of the scene as written. "I saw the scene as he shot it, and it was gorgeous and perfect," Henry admitted. She even praised it as "one of the sexiest sex scenes I've ever seen in my life," comparing its impact to "'Titanic' level."
So why was such a powerful scene cut? The answer lay with test audiences. Henry explained that viewers, particularly those unfamiliar with the source material, felt the explicit scene was a "hard right turn" in the film's tone. The narrative begins with the characters in their college years, making them appear very young, which influenced how audiences perceived them later on.
When Haley consulted Henry about the importance of the scene, the author's priority was the overall flow of the movie. "My opinion would be that if it doesn't fit in the movie, then it doesn't work. It has to serve the larger movie," she stated. "I don't want anyone to feel like they were jolted out of the story."
Hope for a Future Director's Cut
Despite supporting the edit for the theatrical release, Henry hinted that fans may not have seen the last of the missing moment. She and director Brett Haley have discussed the possibility of releasing a director's cut in the future.
"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 teased. She reiterated that the filmed scene was "so beautiful," "tender and real, but very, very sexy and romantic." Her final verdict? "It just didn't fit in the movie."
The revelation highlights the delicate balance filmmakers must strike when adapting beloved books for a broader audience, often having to choose between faithful representation and cinematic pacing.
