Set It Up (2018)
Director: Claire Scanlon
Screenwriter: Katie Silberman
Starring: Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Lucy Liu, Taye Diggs
In a decade that left many viewers weary of formulaic romantic comedies, Claire Scanlon’s Set It Up stands out as a refreshingly bright, well-crafted entry in the genre. Released in 2018 as part of Netflix’s slate of original films, this rom-com avoids the tired pitfalls of many contemporaries by leaning into sharp, self-aware writing, sincere performances, and contemporary themes that resonate with younger audiences.
The film follows two overworked personal assistants who decide to manipulate their demanding bosses into falling for each other so they can reclaim free time and pursue their own goals. What begins as a pragmatic scheme evolves into something warmer and more honest, as the characters confront their ambitions, insecurities, and the compromises required by modern working life. Katie Silberman’s screenplay balances witty banter with genuine emotional beats, delivering a script that is both funny and empathetic toward its characters.
One of the film’s strengths is how it captures the daily anxieties of twenty-somethings navigating careers, relationships, and the gig economy. The assistants’ struggles—long hours, undervalued labor, and the pressure to network—are depicted with a mix of cringe-inducing humor and real-world detail that feels true to life. Yet Set It Up never drifts into bleakness; its tone remains upbeat and optimistic, a reminder that a rom-com’s emotional payoff can be satisfying without sacrificing realism.
Scanlon’s direction, informed by her background in television comedy, keeps the pace brisk and the comedic timing precise. The film freely references classic rom-com beats while subverting them with a wink, creating a meta-aware version of the genre that both honors and playfully critiques its conventions. These nods to rom-com tradition enhance the experience instead of turning it into a parody, helping the audience enjoy the familiar while appreciating the film’s small innovations.
Performances anchor the film. Zoey Deutch brings warmth and intelligence to the role of Harper, a heroine who is resourceful and ambitious rather than defined solely by romantic longing. Glen Powell offers a charming counterpart whose chemistry with Deutch fuels much of the movie’s appeal. Supporting roles, notably Lucy Liu as a powerful magazine editor and Taye Diggs as her charismatic colleague, add weight and nuance. Liu’s character, in particular, provides a welcome depiction of a successful, self-made woman who resists simplistic romantic framing and operates on her own terms.
Another commendable feature of Set It Up is its subtle feminist undercurrent. The screenplay interrogates common gender stereotypes in romantic comedies by giving its female characters agency and professional ambition. Rather than positioning women as side characters in men’s stories, the film centers their choices, friendships, and careers, making the eventual romantic developments feel earned rather than obligatory. This modern perspective refreshes the rom-com formula and makes the film more relevant to contemporary viewers.
Technically, the movie is straightforward: it does not rely on flashy visuals or an elaborate soundtrack to make its case. Instead, it earns its charm through smart dialogue, well-constructed scenes, and believable character arcs. The result is a rom-com that feels polished and purposeful without being overproduced, and that succeeds precisely because it trusts its characters and the audience’s appetite for honest storytelling.
For viewers fatigued by cynical or poorly written romantic comedies, Set It Up is an agreeable alternative—light, witty, and genuinely enjoyable. It updates familiar tropes in a way that speaks to younger generations while retaining the core pleasures of the genre: chemistry between leads, comedic mishaps, and a satisfying emotional resolution. If you’re browsing a streaming service and want a rom-com that both respects and reinvigorates the form, this film is worth your time.
15/24