Romantic comedies have long been a staple of feel-good cinema, and Netflix's Set It Up (2018) is a refreshing addition to the genre. Directed by Claire Scanlon and written by Katie Silberman, this film blends sharp humor, relatable characters, and a modern take on matchmaking. With Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell leading the cast, Set It Up delivers a delightful story of love, friendship, and self-discovery set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City.
Plot Overview: A Matchmaking Misadventure
The story revolves around Harper Moore (Zoey Deutch) and Charlie Young (Glen Powell), two overworked assistants who are desperate for a break from their demanding bosses. Harper works for Kirsten Stevens (Lucy Liu), a no-nonsense sports editor, while Charlie serves Rick Otis (Taye Diggs), a self-absorbed venture capitalist with anger management issues.
One fateful evening, Harper and Charlie cross paths while picking up late-night meals for their bosses. Realizing that their lives would be easier if their bosses were romantically involved, they devise an elaborate plan to set them up. From orchestrating "accidental" meetings to manipulating circumstances for romantic moments, Harper and Charlie play Cupid with hilarious results. However, as they spend more time together plotting their scheme, they begin to develop feelings for each other—leading to complications that neither of them anticipated.
The Leads: Chemistry That Carries the Film
Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell shine as the film's leads. Their natural chemistry is the heart of Set It Up, making their transition from reluctant allies to close friends—and eventually potential romantic partners—both believable and endearing. Deutch brings charm and wit to Harper, portraying her as a relatable young woman navigating her career aspirations while grappling with self-doubt. Powell's portrayal of Charlie is equally compelling; he balances ambition with vulnerability, making his character more than just a stereotypical rom-com male lead.
Their banter is quick-witted and engaging, reminiscent of classic screwball comedies. Whether they're arguing about pizza toppings or sharing heartfelt moments, Deutch and Powell's dynamic keeps the audience invested in their journey.
Supporting Cast: A Mixed Bag
Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs play the eccentric bosses whose love lives are at the center of Harper and Charlie's scheme. Liu's Kirsten is a driven professional who has prioritized her career over romance, while Diggs' Rick is portrayed as an egotistical yet oddly charming figure. While both actors deliver solid performances, their characters lack depth compared to the leads. Kirsten and Rick often feel like caricatures rather than fully realized individuals, which detracts slightly from the film's overall impact.
The supporting cast also includes Meredith Hagner as Harper's engaged roommate Becca and Pete Davidson as Charlie's quirky roommate Duncan. These side characters add humor and texture to the story without overshadowing the main plot.
Writing and Direction: A Modern Rom-Com Formula
Katie Silberman's screenplay strikes a balance between humor and heart. The dialogue is sharp and quotable, filled with clever one-liners that elevate even predictable moments. The film also pays homage to classic romantic comedies like The Apartment (1960) while incorporating modern sensibilities that resonate with contemporary audiences.
Director Claire Scanlon brings a light touch to the material, ensuring that the pacing remains brisk without feeling rushed. The use of New York City as a setting adds authenticity to the story; scenes shot in bustling streets and cozy restaurants give viewers a sense of place that enhances the film's charm.
Strengths: Humor, Relatability, and Feel-Good Vibes
One of Set It Up's greatest strengths is its humor. From awkward elevator encounters to over-the-top romantic setups gone wrong, the film delivers plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The relatability of Harper and Charlie's struggles—balancing demanding jobs with personal aspirations—further endears them to viewers.
The movie also excels at creating feel-good vibes without veering into saccharine territory. Its exploration of themes like friendship, ambition, and self-worth adds depth to what could have been a formulaic rom-com.
Weaknesses: Predictability and Underdeveloped Bosses
While Set It Up succeeds in many areas, it does suffer from some genre clichés. The plot is largely predictable; seasoned rom-com fans will likely guess where the story is headed long before it gets there. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, the bosses' characters lack nuance, which limits their contribution to the narrative.
Another minor drawback is the occasional distraction caused by filming in uncontrolled public spaces in New York City. While this decision lends authenticity to certain scenes, it can sometimes pull viewers out of the story when background elements become too noticeable.
Themes: Love Beyond Romance
Beyond its central love story, Set It Up explores themes that resonate universally:
Work-Life Balance: Harper and Charlie's struggles highlight the importance of setting boundaries in professional relationships.
Friendship: The bond that develops between Harper and Charlie underscores how meaningful connections can emerge in unexpected circumstances.
Self-Discovery: Both protagonists undergo personal growth throughout the film, learning to prioritize their happiness over external validation.
These themes add layers to what could have been a straightforward romantic comedy.
Conclusion: A Charming Addition to Netflix's Rom-Com
Lineup
Set It Up may not reinvent the romantic comedy genre, but it delivers exactly what it promises: an entertaining story filled with humor, heart, and likable characters. Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell's chemistry elevates the film above its predictable plotline, making it a standout among Netflix's original offerings.
For fans of feel-good movies or anyone in need of a lighthearted escape, Set It Up is well worth watching. Its blend of sharp writing, engaging performances, and relatable themes ensures that it remains an enjoyable experience from start to finish.
FAQs About Set It Up
What is Set It Up about?Two overworked assistants team up to set up their demanding bosses in hopes of gaining more free time for themselves.
Who stars in Set It Up?The film features Zoey Deutch as Harper Moore, Glen Powell as Charlie Young, Lucy Liu as Kirsten Stevens, and Taye Diggs as Rick Otis.
Is Set It Up family-friendly?The movie is rated TV-MA due to some language and suggestive content; parental discretion is advised.
Where was Set It Up filmed?Principal photography took place in New York City.
What makes this movie stand out?Its witty dialogue, strong chemistry between leads, relatable themes, and modern take on classic rom-com tropes make it memorable.
Are there any sequels planned?As of now (2025), no sequels or spin-offs have been announced for Set It Up.
What themes does the movie explore?Themes include work-life balance, friendship, self-discovery, and finding love in unexpected places.
How long is Set It Up?The movie has a runtime of approximately 105 minutes.
Is this movie only available on Netflix?Yes! As a Netflix original film, it’s exclusively available on their platform.
Why should I watch Set It Up?If you enjoy romantic comedies with sharp humor and relatable characters—or simply need an uplifting movie night pick—this film is an excellent choice!
Looking for engaging romantic comedy content? Dive into these delightful articles that explore the charm and nuances of rom-coms:
9 Rom-Coms That Will Make You Laugh and Fall in Love – Discover a selection of films that blend humor and romance seamlessly. Click here: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/9-rom-coms-that-will-make-you-laugh-and-fall-in-love
Top 10 Romantic Comedies of All Time – Explore a curated list of timeless rom-coms that have captured hearts worldwide. Click here: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/top-10-romantic-comedies-of-all-time-that-ll-make-you-laugh-and-fall-in-love-again
The Best Romantic Comedies Streaming on Amazon Prime Right Now – Find your next favorite rom-com available for streaming. Click here: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/the-best-romantic-comedies-streaming-on-amazon-prime-right-now
The 9 Elements of All Great Rom-Coms That Keep Us Hooked – Uncover the key ingredients that make romantic comedies irresistible. Click here: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/the-9-elements-of-all-great-rom-coms-that-keep-us-hooked
Romantic Tales with a Side of Humor: 5 Fiction Podcasts You Can't Miss – Enjoy romantic stories in podcast form, blending love and laughter. Click here: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/romantic-tales-with-a-side-of-humor-5-fiction-podcasts-you-can-t-miss
Movie Review: Friends with Benefits - A Romantic Comedy That Defies Conventions – Read an insightful review of this modern rom-com. Click here: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/review-of-friends-with-benefits-a-rollicking-rom-com-ride
10 Unforgettable Meet-Cutes in Romantic Comedy History – Relive iconic first encounters from your favorite rom-coms. Click here: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/10-unforgettable-meet-cutes-in-romantic-comedy-history
Top 10 Romantic Comedy Series to Binge-Watch and Fall in Love With All Over Again – Find your next binge-worthy rom-com series. Click here: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/top-10-romantic-comedy-series-to-binge-watch-and-fall-in-love-with-all-over-again
Movie Review: Crazy, Stupid, Love - A Wildly Romantic Revelation – Delve into a review of this acclaimed romantic comedy. Click here: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/crazy-stupid-love-review-a-wildly-romantic-revelation
A Review of the Movie Notting Hill (1999) – Explore an analysis of this classic rom-com. Click here: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/a-review-of-the-movie-notting-hill-1999
Explore These External Links FOR ANY FILMS INCLUDING ROM COMS!
🎥 Your Film Critic HubDive into the world of movie reviews and ratings! With its iconic Tomatometer, Rotten Tomatoes helps you quickly determine if a film is a "fresh" masterpiece or a "rotten" flop.
🎬 The Ultimate Entertainment DatabaseThe Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is a treasure trove of information. Discover cast lists, trailers, trivia, and fan reviews for your favorite movies and TV shows.
⭐ Critic Scores at a GlanceMetacritic aggregates reviews from top publications to give you a clear, weighted score—helping you decide if a movie is worth your time.
📚 Social Networking for CinephilesLog the movies you watch, write reviews, and connect with fellow film enthusiasts. Letterboxd is the ultimate platform for movie buffs to share their passion.
🎯 Tailored Film RecommendationsCriticker uses a unique scoring system to suggest movies you'll love, based on your personal ratings and preferences.
🔍 The Review AggregatorExplore the web’s largest collection of movie reviews. Search for any title and access critiques from across the internet, all in one place.
🎥 The Legacy of a LegendCelebrate the legacy of Roger Ebert. Discover classic reviews, current film critiques, and thought-provoking articles about the deeper meanings of cinema.
🎞️ In-Depth Film AnalysisEnjoy thoughtful analysis and insightful features on the art and craft of filmmaking from one of the most respected film journals.
📰 Latest Film News & ReviewsStay updated with news, reviews, and opinion pieces. The Guardian’s film section offers trusted insights on movies from around the world.
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