Set It Up - A Netflix Movie Review

So, if we set up our bosses on a date do you think they’ll go easier on us?

Set it Up was released on Netflix in 2018. Two underappreciated corporate executive assistants have had it with their bosses pushing them around with little respect and heedless tasks. Devising a plan to set up their bosses with one another, there’s a potential that their demeanor will change.

Set It Up is an entertaining romantic comedy that originates a fresh and charming take on the classic workplace romance genre. There are a few aspects that could have been improved to enhance the overall experience. One of the best parts of the film is the message about bosses and how they guide their employers to be stronger individuals.

While Zoey Deutch and Glenn Powell were both great, they needed more chemistry to make their character’s relationship believable. Harper and Charlie had no need for a romance angle when this story is about them trying to get ahead in the business world.

Their romance aside, Harper and Charlie are relatable when it comes to their work needs. Deutch is excellent in her character’s ambition while Powell incorporated charm and comedic timing in his performance. We all want to find what makes us tick, especially how we lead the way if we were ever to become the ones in charge.

I found the dynamics between the bosses more intriguing than Harper and Charlie’s storyline. Kirsten and Rick (Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs), the bosses of the main characters had the potential for intriguing storylines but the film never explored their personalities and motivations like the main characters. Sure, they’re here to be the usual boss stereotypes but we needed to understand more of their backgrounds.

The supporting characters are well-acted but they could have had more depth and development. The delivery man freaking out in the elevator was memorable and the strangest scene in the film.

Set It Up utilizes your basic rom-com formula but it achieves to do something different. I liked how the undermined assistants were trying to get their bosses together. That’s a story that is not utilized enough.

It does a good job with its comedy. The script has witty writing along with a genuine story. I thought that I wasn’t going to enjoy Set It Up but it had genuinely funny moments. Aside from Harper and Charlie’s storyline, the film doesn’t force anything, like comedy or making it a sappy love story.

The pacing of the story could have been improved, mainly by the middle half. Sometimes, the plot felt rushed. If Claire Scanlon wanted the main couple to work then more gradual growth would have allowed a sensible relationship.

The bustling atmosphere of New York City serves as the story’s backdrop. It’s a vibrant setting, adding crisp and colorful aesthetics to the film.

While the central romance takes center stage, Set It Up also touches on themes of friendship, personal growth, and self-discovery. My favorite aspect of Set it Up is the reminder of how bosses want their employees to do well. To me, a bosses storyline is one of the most important, in real life and not just a movie setting. Sure, they may seem unfair in their demands and assignments but it’s all a perfect test to see what we’ll achieve.

Set It Up is a charming romantic comedy. The jokes don’t land right in some moments, like the scene in the stuck elevator. There are improvements that could have been made but overall it’s a good pick for a weekend night.