Bringing the Film’s Sound to Life: A Creative Journey
Turning a popular novel into a film is a challenging endeavor. In adapting Emily Henry’s bestselling book, “People We Meet On Vacation,” for Netflix, the creative team aimed to bring the sound of vacation to life. This romantic comedy features travel writer Poppy Wright, portrayed by Emily Bader, and her best friend Alex Neilsen, played by Tom Blyth. Their story highlights the complexities of love and friendship during an annual trip that takes an unexpected turn.
Crafting the Film’s Unique Soundtrack
The film’s soundtrack plays a significant role in conveying the narrative. Director Brett Haley, music supervisor Season Kent, and composer Keegan DeWitt collaborated to create an all-encompassing soundscape. Kent notes, “The story is number one, and the music is telling the story too.” The soundtrack includes a mix of upbeat synth tracks and indie pop melodies that resonate with the characters’ emotions.
Key Songs in the Soundtrack
- “Hang With Me” by Robyn
- “August” by Taylor Swift
- “When I Get My Hands On You” by The New Basement Tapes
- “Forever Your Girl” by Paula Abdul
The score features a simple, yet evocative, eight-note melody composed by DeWitt. This tune serves as the emotional backdrop to Poppy and Alex’s evolving relationship. Haley intended to evoke nostalgia for classic rom-coms while ensuring the music felt relevant to modern audiences.
Challenges in Music Licensing
Securing the rights to songs added another layer of complexity. While obtaining Taylor Swift’s music was a notable task, Kent revealed that the most challenging song to clear was “Nanã” by Polo & Pan. This process involved lengthy negotiations with producers in Brazil.
Character-Driven Narrative
The film represents Henry’s fifth book, published in 2021. It thoughtfully explores Poppy’s inner struggles, particularly her feelings of discontent despite her career success. As Henry articulates, the story encapsulates the sentiment of achieving lifelong dreams yet feeling incomplete.
Emotional Themes and Connections
At the heart of the film lies Poppy’s emotional journey. The team aimed to create a soundtrack that matched her character’s growth and feelings. Kent describes the film as a “vacation playlist,” designed to be listened to during travel preparations, enhancing the audience’s experience.
The Film’s Impact
“People We Meet On Vacation” presents a rich tapestry of sound and story. It captures the essence of friendship, love, and the beauty of shared experiences. The soundtrack not only supports the film’s narrative but also invites viewers into Poppy and Alex’s world, making them feel as if they are part of their journey.
As the film unfolds, audiences can expect to enjoy a blend of humor, romance, and heartfelt moments, all amplified by its innovative musical landscape. This creative journey highlights the importance of sound in storytelling, resonating deeply with both fans of the book and new viewers alike.
