Movie Review: Vacation Friends

One faithful afternoon I was just casually scrolling through tik tok until I came across one funny post, it was so hilarious that I was interested to know the name of the movie. I went through the comments section to search for the name and found it “Vacation Friends.” To be sincere the name looked like the movie was going to be adventurous and hilarious.

I went to Hulu Then I saw the poster — John Cena in a floral shirt, wide-eyed, next to Lil Rel Howery looking completely overwhelmed. I clicked play without thinking twice. I mean, how could I not?

Vacation Friends is a 2021 American buddy comedy film directed by Clay Tarver, and co-written by Tom Mullen, Tim Mullen, Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley.

The plot starts with Marcus (Lil Rel Howery) and Emily (Yvonne Orji), a conventional couple, going on a well-planned trip to Mexico. The type I’m talking about means always having the schedule, applying sunscreen regularly and getting to bed and up early. I find that I enjoy my kind of people the majority of the time. However, when Ron and Kyla make an appearance (played by John Cena and Meredith Hagner)… everything changes in a snap.

Ron and Kyla are the people your parents told you to stay away from while away on holiday. They tend to talk a lot, act on the spur of the moment and say whatever they want. The two characters rush into Marcus and Emily’s life like a tropical hurricane, bringing weed, jet skis and no limits. Drinking, making reckless choices and confessing to each other brings the four together. However, just like all vacations, it has to draw to a close.

Wrong.

Just when it looks like things are settled, Ron and Kyla barge in to Marcus and Emily’s wedding, uninvited and acting strange. And this is the moment when the real story unfolds.

At the beginning, I only wanted to watch it for jokes and I admit, it made me laugh to the point of wheezing. Cena brings lots of humor to this movie. His way of acting, his honest persona and his strong friendship with Marcus are what make his comedy amazing. As for Kyla, Meredith Hagner is perfect for the part. She acts like chaotic sunshine, always surprising, funny and still lovable.

Though there are plenty of crazy moments and uncomfortable family meals, the movie begins to touch your heart.

After all, don’t we all know those unexpected friends who make things interesting, push us beyond our comfort zones and convince us to laugh more?

That’s what Vacation Friends does so brilliantly. It starts as a ridiculous comedy, full of absurd situations and over-the-top personalities. But then it slowly slips in some deeper questions: Why are we so afraid of imperfection? Why do we hide parts of ourselves to be accepted? And why do we judge people just because they live differently than we do?

Marcus spends most of the movie trying to maintain control — his career, his relationship, his wedding. And Ron? He’s a walking mess. But underneath that mess is a guy who shows up when it counts, who wears his heart on his sleeve, and who — despite the chaos — genuinely cares.

And let me tell you, by the end of the movie, I realized something unexpected.

I want Vacation Friends in my life.

Yes, these are the ones who remind me to embrace the moment and not get too serious about everything (please, no to the wedding wreckers). To dare to do risky things. To accept things that are a bit out of the ordinary. Since being put together is not the only part of life. There are times when you should let go and appreciate those who love you for who you truly are.

Should you happen to be stressed and in need of a pause from pretending to be perfect, you can watch Vacation Friends. Enjoy a good laugh by yourself. Laugh at the odd moments in the movie. While everything is happening, remember that it’s the unusual places that can bring you the best friends.

Allow the process to be cluttered and haphazard. Let the show be full of energy. Have fun during your workout.

Because maybe your “vacation friends” are exactly the kind of people you need — not just for a week on the beach, but for a lifetime of unforgettable stories.

And who knows? Maybe they’re already in your life… just waiting for you to loosen up and join the ride.

Thumbnail is designed by me on pixelLab and other images are screenshot from the movie