Movie Review: Set It Up (2018)
- Joao Nsita
- Jan 29, 2025
- 5 min read
A Refreshing Take on the Rom-Com Formula: When Assistants Play Cupid
Netflix's Set It Up, directed by Claire Scanlon and written by Katie Silberman, breathes fresh air into the romantic comedy genre with its witty premise, charming leads, and a knowing wink at the tropes it embraces. Starring Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell as two overworked assistants who scheme to set up their demanding bosses, the film delivers a delightful mix of humor, heart, and genuine chemistry that makes it a standout in the rom-com landscape.
Assistants in Distress: A Plot Hatched from Shared Misery
Harper (Zoey Deutch) is an ambitious aspiring writer toiling away as an assistant to Kirsten (Lucy Liu), a high-powered sports journalist. Charlie (Glen Powell) is similarly overworked and underappreciated as the assistant to Rick (Taye Diggs), a venture capitalist with a volcanic temper. Both Harper and Charlie are desperate for a life outside of their jobs, but their demanding bosses leave them with little time for anything else.
Recognizing their shared misery, Harper and Charlie hatch a plan: they'll set up their bosses, hoping that a romantic relationship will mellow them out and free up some much-needed time for the assistants themselves. Inspired by the classic film The Parent Trap, they embark on a series of elaborate schemes to orchestrate "meet-cutes" and manipulate their bosses into falling in love.
Beyond the Rom-Com Clichés
While Set It Up utilizes familiar rom-com tropes, it does so with a self-awareness and intelligence that elevates it above the standard fare. The film acknowledges the absurdity of its premise and leans into the humor, creating a playful and engaging experience. It's a romantic comedy about making a romantic comedy, and that meta-commentary adds a layer of cleverness to the story.
Zoey Deutch is a revelation as Harper, perfectly balancing ambition with a relatable awkwardness. She's instantly likable and easy to root for, and her comedic timing is impeccable. Glen Powell is equally charming as Charlie, bringing a surprising vulnerability to the role. Their chemistry is electric, and their banter is one of the film's highlights. It's their dynamic that truly carries the film, making their eventual romantic entanglement feel both inevitable and earned.
Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs are perfectly cast as the high-maintenance bosses. Liu is hilarious as the demanding Kirsten, while Diggs brings a charismatic intensity to Rick. They embrace the over-the-top nature of their characters, providing plenty of comedic fodder for Deutch and Powell to play off of.
A Workplace Comedy with Heart
Set It Up is not just a romantic comedy; it's also a workplace comedy that satirizes the demanding culture of high-powered industries. The film shines a light on the often-unbalanced power dynamics between bosses and assistants, and the sacrifices that young professionals often make in pursuit of their career goals.
However, the film never loses sight of its romantic core. As Harper and Charlie work together to manipulate their bosses, they inevitably grow closer themselves. Their late-night pizza sessions, shared frustrations, and genuine moments of connection create a believable and endearing romance. The film smartly subverts the traditional rom-com structure, focusing on the development of Harper and Charlie's relationship rather than solely on the manufactured romance of their bosses.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
Set It Up was a critical and commercial success for Netflix, garnering praise for its witty script, charming performances, and refreshing take on the rom-com genre. It was lauded for its self-aware humor and its ability to both embrace and subvert romantic comedy tropes.
You can find further reviews and critical analysis on these reputable movie review sites:
Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/set_it_up [invalid URL removed]
Metacritic: https://www.metacritic.com/movie/set-it-up [invalid URL removed]
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5304992/ [invalid URL removed]
Conclusion
Set It Up is a smart, funny, and genuinely charming romantic comedy that breathes new life into the genre. It's a film that's both self-aware and sincere, embracing rom-com tropes while simultaneously subverting them. Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell deliver winning performances, and their chemistry is undeniable. The film's witty script, engaging plot, and insightful commentary on workplace culture make it a cut above the average rom-com. Set It Up is a delightful reminder that sometimes, the best love stories are the ones that happen when you're busy making other plans. The movie is a must-see for fans of romantic comedies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Set It Up
1. Where can I watch Set It Up?
Set It Up is a Netflix original film and is available to stream exclusively on Netflix.
2. Is Set It Up based on a book?
No, Set It Up is an original screenplay written by Katie Silberman.
3. What are some other movies similar to Set It Up?
If you enjoyed Set It Up, you might also like The Proposal, To All the Boys I've Loved Before, Plus One, and Always Be My Maybe.
4. What is the "meet-cute" in Set It Up?
While the film is full of orchestrated "meet-cutes" for the bosses, the real meet-cute could be argued to be between Harper and Charlie, who bond over their shared misery as overworked assistants.
5. What is the significance of the pizza in the movie?
The pizza serves as a symbol of Harper and Charlie's growing connection. It represents their shared late-night work sessions, their casual intimacy, and their escape from their demanding jobs.
6. What are some of the main themes explored in the film?
The film explores themes of work-life balance, the pursuit of career ambitions, the complexities of modern relationships, and the importance of finding someone who truly sees and appreciates you.
7. What is the critical consensus on Set It Up?
Set It Up was generally well-received by critics, who praised its humor, charm, and the chemistry between Deutch and Powell. It was lauded for its refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre. It has a score of 61 on Metacritic, and a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes.
8. Did Set It Up win any awards? While the movie did not receive any awards, Zoey Deutch was nominated for a Teen Choice Award for Choice Summer Movie Star: Female for her role as Harper.
9. What is the message of the film?
The film suggests that true love can be found in unexpected places and that sometimes, the best relationships are built on a foundation of friendship and shared experience. It also encourages viewers to prioritize their own happiness and well-being, even amidst demanding careers.
10. Is the portrayal of assistants in the film realistic?
While exaggerated for comedic effect, the film does touch on the realities of demanding jobs and the often-unbalanced power dynamics between bosses and assistants in certain industries.
11. Who wrote the screenplay for Set It Up? The screenplay was written by Katie Silberman. She also wrote the screenplay for Booksmart.
12. What other movies has the director, Claire Scanlon, directed? Claire Scanlon also directed episodes of The Office, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
13. Did Harper ever get her article published? The end of the movie suggests that Harper has finally managed to write an article that she is proud of, and that Kirsten has agreed to publish it.
Comments