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Set It Up
Official release poster
Directed byClaire Scanlon
Written byKatie Silberman
Produced by
  • Juliet Berman
  • Justin Nappi
Starring
CinematographyMatthew Clark
Edited byWendy Greene Bricmont
Music byLaura Karpman
Production
company
Treehouse Pictures
Distributed byNetflix
Release dates
  • June 12, 2018 (2018-06-12) (New York City)
  • June 15, 2018 (2018-06-15) (United States)
Running time
105 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$13.8 million[1]

Set It Up is a 2018 American romantic comedy film directed by Claire Scanlon, written by Katie Silberman, and starring Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Taye Diggs, and Lucy Liu.

The plot follows two overworked assistants in New York City who try to set up their demanding bosses on dates to take pressure off of them.

The film was released on June 15, 2018, by Netflix, to generally positive reviews from critics.[2]

Plot

[edit]

Harper Moore is the assistant to Kirsten Stevens, a former journalist and now editor of an online sports journalism empire. Charlie Young is the assistant to high-strung venture capitalist Rick Otis. They work in the same building and meet one night when their bosses need dinner.

Harper has ordered dinner for Kirsten but has no cash to pay for it; Charlie, who was not able to order dinner for Rick, pays for it to give to Rick. When Harper tells him she will be fired if she does not return with food, Charlie allows her to take one of the meals.

The next day Harper reimburses Charlie for the food, and they talk about their jobs. Though Rick is abrasive, his connections would guarantee Charlie a promotion. Harper admires Kirsten's career and aspires to write sports journalism. Both assistants complain that they have no time for their personal lives.

Harper jokes that both of their bosses need to get laid, then proposes setting Kristen and Rick up with each other, reasoning that if their bosses were dating each other, they would have less time to overwork them. After his girlfriend Suze almost breaks up with him due to his lack of free time, Charlie agrees to help.

Initially, the two plan to orchestrate a "meet cute" by having Rick and Kirsten's elevator stalled, with the help of janitor Creepy Tim. However, the plot goes awry when they are joined by a delivery man suffering from claustrophobia who starts stripping and urinating. Charlie and Harper then arrange for the two to sit beside each other at a baseball game, bribing the kiss-cam operator to pressure them into kissing. After three attempts, Rick and Kirsten kiss. They begin dating, leaving Charlie time to spend with Suze, and Harper time to date.

However, things between Rick and Kirsten quickly become bumpy, so Harper and Charlie realize they must work hard to keep their bosses together. They manipulate the two into staying together by secretly planning dates, leaving notes and gifts, and organizing a weekend vacation for them. When Charlie is ignored by Suze, he accompanies Harper to her best friend Becca's engagement party.

Returning from their vacation, Rick and Kirsten reveal they are now engaged. Harper and Charlie are thrilled, but Charlie learns that Rick proposed to Kirsten to aggravate his ex-wife Kiki, who he is still sleeping with. Harper discovers this when she overhears Rick having phone sex with Kiki. Confronting Charlie, she is disappointed to learn that he knew about it and still wants Kirsten and Rick to get married.

Harper goes to Kirsten and explains that she and Charlie manipulated them into dating; Kirsten fires her and plans to go on with the wedding. Charlie, realizing he does not love Suze, breaks up with her and runs to the airport, where Rick and Kirsten are about to leave to elope. Charlie quits his job, then tells Kirsten that Rick does not love her nor know her at all. She realizes it is true and leaves Rick.

Harper goes through a crisis with her writing, but Becca encourages her to make progress. Rick asks for Charlie's help in reuniting with his ex-wife, so Charlie tells him where to find his info on her. When Harper goes to her office to pick up her things, Kirsten tries to hire her back but Harper declines, choosing to focus on her writing. So, Kirsten offers to edit her article.

As she is leaving, Harper sees Charlie, who has been called there by Kirsten. They realize that Kirsten is attempting to set them up. Charlie reveals that he now works as a temp, hoping to learn what he actually wants to do. Harper and Charlie kiss upon confessing that they like each other, despite having many reasons not to.

In a mid-credits scene, Creepy Tim watches the couple through security cameras.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

In February 2016, it was announced Emilia Clarke had been cast in the film, with Katie Silberman writing the film, while Justin Nappi and Juliet Berman were producing the film under their TreeHouse Pictures banner. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer was originally set to distribute the film.[3] In March 2017, it was announced Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell had joined the cast of the film, with Deutch replacing Clarke, Claire Scanlon directing from a screenplay written by Katie Silberman. Netflix eventually replaced Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer as the film's distributor.[4] In June 2017, Taye Diggs, Lucy Liu, and Joan Smalls joined the cast of the film.[5][6][7]

Principal photography began in June 2017 in New York City.[citation needed]

Release

[edit]

The film was released on Netflix on June 15, 2018.[2]

Reception

[edit]

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 92% of 62 critics' reviews are positive. The website's consensus reads: "Set It Up follows the long-established outlines of the rom-com template - and in the process, proves there's still substantial pleasure to be wrought from familiar formulas."[8] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 62 out of 100, based on 14 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[9] The film has been called "a modern day classic."[10]

Possible sequel

[edit]

Scanlon said in interviews that she had ideas for a possible sequel, should Netflix schedule one.[11]

On March 8, 2023, Netflix released a compilation video of bloopers from the film.[12]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Set It Up

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Set It Up is a 2018 American romantic comedy film directed by , written by , and starring , , , and . The story centers on two exhausted personal assistants in —Harper (Deutch) and Charlie (Powell)—who devise an elaborate plan to matchmake their tyrannical bosses, tech mogul Rich (Diggs) and venture capitalist Sabrina (Liu), in hopes of securing more free time for themselves. Released directly to streaming on on June 15, 2018, the film runs for 105 minutes and falls squarely within the genres of and romance. It marks Scanlon's feature-length directorial debut, following her extensive work in television episodes for series such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Good Place, and Glow. Silberman's screenplay draws inspiration from classic comedies, blending workplace with budding romance between the leads. Critically acclaimed upon release, Set It Up garnered a 92% approval rating from 62 critics on , with praise for its witty dialogue, strong ensemble chemistry, and fresh take on the trope. Audience reception was also positive, averaging a 69% score based on over 1,000 verified ratings, and the has since been hailed as a modern rom-com classic for its relatable portrayal of millennial work-life struggles.

Synopsis and cast

Plot

Harper Moore is an overworked assistant to Kirsten Stevens, a demanding sports at a New York media company, while Charlie Young serves as an assistant to Rick Otis, a high-powered venture capitalist. Both protagonists endure grueling schedules, late nights, and unreasonable demands from their bosses, who prioritize work above all else, leaving Harper and Charlie little time for their own lives. Frustrated by their exhausting routines, Harper and Charlie cross paths in their office building one evening and hatch a scheme to pair Kirsten and Rick romantically, hoping a relationship between the bosses will ease their workloads and grant them more personal freedom. To kick off the plan, they orchestrate an initial encounter at a game, using a kiss-cam to bring the two into proximity. As the matchmaking effort progresses, complications arise from Kirsten and Rick's clashing personalities and unpredictable interactions, requiring Harper and Charlie to improvise and intervene repeatedly to keep the ruse alive. Amid the chaos of sustaining the plot, the two assistants develop a deepening personal connection, bonding over shared frustrations, clever banter, and mutual reliance in their covert operation. The scheme ultimately unfolds through a series of escalating events that test their ingenuity and resolve.

Cast

The principal cast of Set It Up features as Harper Moore, an ambitious and sarcastic personal assistant to a demanding sports editor, whose relentless drive for a promotion underscores her character's sharp wit and determination in the high-stakes New York media world. stars as Charlie Young, Harper's counterpart as a charming yet laid-back assistant to a venture capitalist, navigating personal family expectations alongside his professional frustrations to add a relatable, easygoing contrast to the ensemble. portrays Kirsten Stevens, the no-nonsense, high-powered magazine editor and Harper's boss, whose fierce professionalism and unyielding demeanor contribute to the film's exploration of dynamics. plays Richard "Rick" Otis, a suave venture capitalist and confirmed whose carefree lifestyle and amplify the comedic tensions within the group. In supporting roles, appears as Suze, Charlie's superficial supermodel girlfriend, whose vapid presence highlights the mismatched relationships in the story. plays Becca, Harper's bubbly and recently engaged roommate, offering lighthearted comic relief and insight into Harper's personal life. rounds out key appearances as Mike, Becca's fiancé, whose awkward involvement in social setups enhances the film's ensemble interplay of everyday mishaps. The casting blends emerging talents like Deutch and Powell with veterans such as and Diggs, fostering a vibrant ensemble that balances sharp banter among the assistants with the contrasting intensities of their bosses, central to the rom-com's humorous take on modern workplace romance. Notably, Deutch stepped into the role of Harper after , originally attached when the project was at , departed following the studio's decision not to proceed, allowing the film to pivot to .

Production

Development

The screenplay for Set It Up was written by as a , drawing inspiration from classic romantic comedies such as The Parent Trap in its premise of scheming characters engineering romantic pairings. (MGM) acquired the script in February 2016, with the studio quickly attaching star to lead the project. Silberman, motivated by her affinity for the rom-com genre, crafted the story around overworked assistants plotting to pair their demanding bosses, reflecting real-life Hollywood assistant experiences she observed during her early career. Development stalled at MGM after Clarke departed due to scheduling conflicts with , prompting the studio to shelve the project. subsequently acquired the rights, greenlighting production under Treehouse Pictures and , with a budget of $13.8 million. The script, completed in early 2016, transitioned to preparations in early 2017, including and logistical planning in . Claire Scanlon, making her feature directorial debut after helming episodes of television series such as The Goldbergs and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, was attached to direct by mid-2017. For the lead role of Harper Moore, Zoey Deutch was cast following Clarke's exit, with the character adjusted from age 28 to 25 to align with Deutch's persona and enhance authenticity. Glen Powell joined as Charlie Young, while supporting roles went to Lucy Liu as Kirsten Stevens and Taye Diggs as Rick Otis, all finalized in 2017.

Filming

Principal photography for Set It Up began in in June 2017 and wrapped after six weeks of production. The shoot took place during the summer, capturing the vibrant energy of the city amid logistical challenges posed by coordinating outdoor scenes in busy urban environments. Key locations included the streets of for establishing shots and character movements, for the Knicks game sequences filmed on site to authentically depict the high-stakes sports atmosphere, for outdoor romantic moments, and various interiors standing in for corporate offices and modest apartments to ground the story in realistic New York living spaces. These choices emphasized the film's setting as a character in itself, highlighting the city's diversity and pace. Director employed handheld cameras throughout much of the production to impart an energetic, dynamic feel that mirrored the chaotic lives of the protagonists, while incorporating improvisational elements in dialogue to foster natural chemistry and humor. Rehearsals played a crucial role in building rapport among the cast, particularly between leads and , allowing Scanlon to adjust their inherent on-screen synergy for narrative pacing. The production team integrated music cues early during filming to guide scene tone, such as featuring "My Type" by in pivotal sequences to enhance the comedic and romantic beats. This approach helped maintain momentum on set, especially amid the demands of summer scheduling and on-location coordination.

Release

Premiere

Set It Up had its world premiere on June 12, 2018, at the AMC Lincoln Square Theater in . The screening was attended by key cast members including , , , and , along with director and other crew. A preceded the event, where attendees posed for photos and engaged with press, highlighting the film's lighthearted rom-com vibe. Promotional activities at the premiere included cast interviews focusing on the matchmaking plot and character dynamics, with stars discussing how the story drew from real-life assistant experiences to revive the genre.

Distribution

Set It Up was released for streaming on June 15, 2018, exclusively on worldwide as an original film with no theatrical distribution. Following a screening in on June 12, 2018, the film became immediately accessible to subscribers without a traditional cinema rollout. The distribution featured a simultaneous global launch in over 190 countries, aligning with Netflix's for original content to reach international audiences concurrently. This rollout included multilingual support, with audio dubs available in languages such as German, Spanish (Latin America), French, and Italian, alongside subtitles in English, Spanish (Latin America), French, Chinese (Simplified), and Chinese (Traditional). Marketing efforts began in May 2018 with the release of official trailers on Netflix's YouTube channel and social media platforms, highlighting the film's romantic comedy elements and fast-paced New York setting. These promotions positioned Set It Up as a key part of Netflix's broader initiative to revive the romantic comedy genre in 2018, alongside other titles like The Kissing Booth, though specific viewership metrics for the film were not publicly disclosed.

Reception

Critical reception

Set It Up received positive reviews from critics, who praised its engaging performances and lighthearted tone while noting its reliance on familiar conventions. On , the film holds a 92% approval rating based on 62 reviews, with an average score of 7/10. reports a score of 62 out of 100 from 14 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reception. Critics frequently highlighted the strong chemistry between leads and , describing their dynamic as a key strength that elevates the material. Variety noted that the "sparky combined charm" of Deutch and Powell makes it an "agreeably formulaic" rom-com. Supporting performances also drew acclaim, particularly the comedic timing of and as the demanding bosses; praised their crowd-pleasing swagger in the roles. Despite the enthusiasm for its cast, reviewers commonly critiqued the film's predictable and formulaic plot, which adheres closely to rom-com tropes without much innovation. observed that Set It Up is "mostly predictable in the best sense," offering timeless enjoyment but neglecting deeper backstories. In the broader genre context, the film was often compared to classics like , evoking similar breezy matchmaking antics updated for a millennial setting.

Accolades

Set It Up earned one notable nomination at the 2018 Hollywood Critics Association Midseason Awards, where director was recognized in the Best Female Director category for her debut feature. This accolade underscored Scanlon's transition from acclaimed editing to directing, spotlighting her work in revitalizing the genre. The film did not receive nominations at major awards bodies, including the Golden Globes or . Although it generated positive buzz during its premiere on June 12, 2018, hosted by , Set It Up was not selected for official screenings at prominent film festivals. Its limited recognition aligns with the era's hurdles for streaming originals in competing within traditional indie and award circuits.

Legacy

Cultural impact

Set It Up has been credited with contributing to the revival of the genre during the late 2010s, particularly through Netflix's push into original streaming content that emphasized feel-good love stories. Alongside films like To All the Boys I've Loved Before, it helped deliver a summer run of rom-coms that reinvigorated audience interest in the format after a perceived decline in theatrical releases. The film garnered strong fan reception, evidenced by its 6.5/10 user rating on IMDb from over 73,000 votes, reflecting sustained popularity among viewers who appreciated its witty take on workplace romance. Its matchmaking trope resonated widely, generating social media discussions and shares that highlighted the film's humorous exploration of meddling in others' love lives. As part of Netflix's broader strategy to produce affordable, original rom-coms tailored for streaming audiences, Set It Up played a key role in establishing the platform as a hub for the genre, influencing subsequent projects by elevating its leads to rom-com stardom. Glen Powell, in particular, leveraged the film's success into leading roles in later romantic comedies like Anyone But You (2023), where his charismatic on-screen presence echoed the charm that debuted in Set It Up. The movie's themes of millennial work-life balance struck a chord, portraying overworked young professionals desperate for respite from demanding jobs, a that mirrored real generational struggles with burnout and ambition. It also employed classic fake-dating and setup tropes to comedic effect, underscoring the tension between professional obligations and personal connections in urban settings. Interest in the film persisted into the 2020s, with Netflix releasing a blooper reel in March 2023 featuring stars Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell, which rekindled fan engagement and introduced the movie to new viewers.

Possible sequel

Following the release of Set It Up in 2018, director Claire Scanlon discussed potential sequel ideas, including scenarios where protagonists Harper (Zoey Deutch) and Charlie (Glen Powell) orchestrate setups for their friends at a wedding, or explore the future dynamics between their bosses Rick (Taye Diggs) and Kirsten (Lucy Liu) without pairing them romantically. Scanlon emphasized advancing Harper and Charlie's relationship in subsequent stories, drawing from on-set brainstorming with writer Katie Silberman. Cast members expressed support for a follow-up. voiced enthusiasm in 2018, stating he was "all for doing more" romantic comedies and eager to reunite with the creative team and . In 2021, shared her excitement about collaborating again with on another project, though she clarified no direct was in development at the time. has similarly indicated openness to reuniting with Deutch for future rom-coms, citing their strong on-screen chemistry. In a 2025 , confirmed ongoing discussions about a , stating, "Zoey and I are still great friends. We talk about that all the time," though he noted it would not reprise their roles as assistants. Netflix has not officially greenlit a sequel. In 2019, the streamer announced a new romantic comedy tentatively titled , reuniting Deutch, Powell, and Silberman, but the project did not proceed to production. As of November 2025, there are no active developments or announcements for a Set It Up continuation. In March 2023, Netflix released a reel compilation from the original film, featuring Deutch and Powell, which renewed fan interest but did not signal any progress. Ongoing challenges include Netflix's strategic shift toward producing fewer, higher-impact original films rather than to existing titles, amid a focus on diverse new content to maintain subscriber engagement.

References

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