Who Plays Sarah in The People We Meet on Vacation

The central relationship in Emily Henry’s novel The People We Meet on Vacation is between childhood friends Poppy and Alex, yet many readers and viewers also focus on Sarah, Poppy’s outgoing, impulsive best friend who shapes the story’s dynamics. In the Netflix film adaptation, Sarah is portrayed by actress Rachel Zackai. This guide explains who Sarah is in the story, how Rachel Zackai brings the character to life on screen, and why Sarah’s role matters to the book and film’s exploration of friendship, change, and long-term connection.

The Character of Sarah in The People We Meet on Vacation

In Emily Henry’s novel, Sarah is Poppy’s longtime best friend and the person who drags Poppy into spontaneous, high-energy adventures. Sarah represents the loud, fearless opposite of Poppy’s quieter self, embodying an outgoing, sometimes reckless approach to life and love. Her choices and relationships push Poppy to reflect on her own patterns, especially when it comes to how she invests in Alex. While Sarah dates Joel, her presence lingers over the story as a symbol of the kind of uninhibited friendship that can both anchor and unsettle a person over time.

Sarah’s role in the book

In the book, Sarah functions as both comic relief and emotional catalyst. She initiates the annual vacation tradition, chooses chaotic destinations, and flirts unapologetically with anyone attractive. Her relationship with Joel is passionate but turbulent, and her willingness to speak bluntly exposes truths that Poppy and Alex avoid. Through Sarah, Henry explores how some friendships change quietly over years, even when the love is still there. Sarah isn’t a villain; she’s a mirror, showing what could happen if Poppy stopped holding back.

On-screen portrayal by Rachel Zackai

Rachel Zackai plays Sarah in the Netflix film adaptation of The People We Meet on Vacation. Zackai brings Sarah’s boldness and humor to the screen, balancing comic timing with moments of vulnerability. Her physicality, expressive delivery, and timing in group scenes help establish the film’s breezy, sun-drenched yet emotionally grounded tone. While the film streamlines some subplots, Sarah remains a memorable supporting presence, anchoring several key group interactions.

Quick Reference: Sarah at a Glance

Sarah as the Story’s Emotional Compass

Sarah is not just comic relief; she represents the kind of fearless living that Poppy secretly admires. In group scenes, Sarah often breaks the tension with jokes or bold statements, pushing conversations in unexpected directions. In the film, these moments are heightened by Rachel Zackai’s expressive performance, making Sarah the social engine of the friend group. Yet Sarah also makes questionable choices in love, which in turn highlights Poppy’s more cautious approach to relationships with Alex. This contrast helps frame the book’s and film’s larger question: how do you stay yourself while also growing with the people you love?

How Sarah Influences Poppy and Alex

Sarah’s relationship with Joel indirectly pressures Poppy to examine her bond with Alex. When Sarah and Joel argue, it echoes the unspoken tension building between Poppy and Alex. In turn, Poppy’s observations of Sarah’s mistakes and joys give her language and perspective to finally tell Alex how she feels. The story is structured around three timelines, and in each, Sarah’s presence looms large, even when she’s not on page or screen. Her evolution from reckless girlfriend to someone learning restraint and self-awareness serves as a backdrop for Poppy’s own growth from passive observer to active participant in her love life.

Behind the Role: Rachel Zackai’s Approach

Though not much detailed behind-the-scenes material is widely available, Rachel Zackai’s casting aligns with the book’s description of Sarah as charismatic and fearless. In the film, Zackai balances humor and sincerity, avoiding caricature by grounding Sarah in recognizable insecurities. Her scenes with the core trio of Poppy, Alex, and Sam feel lived-in, suggesting strong ensemble chemistry. Casting directors chose an actress who could hold her own in rapid-fire banter while also conveying quieter moments of doubt, making Sarah feel like a fully realized supporting character rather than a plot device.

Why Sarah’s Story Still Resonates

Sarah endures as a compelling character because she reflects the messy, nonlinear way friendships evolve. She isn’t the antagonist or the idealized best friend; she’s a real person making flawed decisions while trying to grow. For readers and viewers, Sarah prompts reflection on how we show up for friends, when to speak up, and how change affects long-term bonds. The book and film both suggest that friendships like Sarah’s and Poppy’s are rooted in shared history, even when paths diverge. That emotional honesty is why audiences continue to identify with Sarah long after the final chapter or credits.

Key Takeaways About Sarah

• Sarah is Poppy’s impulsive, funny best friend who drives much of the social energy in the story.
• In the Netflix film, Sarah is played by Rachel Zackai, whose performance balances humor and vulnerability.
• Sarah’s relationship with Joel mirrors Poppy’s struggles with Alex, highlighting different responses to change.
• She serves as both comic relief and emotional mirror, challenging Poppy to live more intentionally.
• The character remains relevant because her flaws and growth reflect real long-term friendships.

Conclusion

Who plays Sarah in The People We Meet on Vacation matters less than what she represents in the story: the bold, sometimes reckless side of friendship that pushes the protagonists toward self-awareness. Whether in Emily Henry’s novel or the Netflix adaptation, Sarah shapes the narrative by challenging Poppy and Alex to confront their feelings and choices. With Rachel Zackai’s engaging performance, Sarah becomes a memorable supporting presence whose journey feels as real as her impact on the main characters.