Glen Powell Set It Up: Movie Overview
Set It Up is a 2018 American romantic comedy film directed by Claire Scanlon and written by Katie Silberman. The movie stars Glen Powell and Zoey Deutch as two assistants who scheme to set up their demanding bosses on a date. The film was produced by Netflix and premiered on the platform on June 15, 2018. It runs for 104 minutes and is rated PG-13. The project was developed under Netflix's original film initiative, which focuses on broad-appeal romantic comedies for a global subscriber base. The screenplay follows a classic rom-com structure while updating the workplace dynamics for the modern era.
The film was shot primarily in New York City, with key locations including Manhattan offices and Central Park. The production budget was not publicly disclosed, but Netflix original films typically range from 20 to 50 million dollars depending on scale. Set It Up was directed by Claire Scanlon, whose prior work includes writing credits on television comedies. The cinematography emphasizes bright, colorful visuals that align with the lighthearted tone of the genre. The film's editing was handled by Lee Haxall, and the music score was composed by various artists to support the romantic and comedic beats. Glen Powell's role as Charlie Young marks one of his earlier leading performances in a major studio or streaming feature.
Cast and Characters
Glen Powell plays Charlie Young, the assistant to a sports journalist named Rick Kessler, portrayed by Tyler Hoechlin. Zoey Deutch stars as Harper Moore, the assistant to Kirsten Stevens, played by Lucy Liu. The supporting cast includes Andrew Bachelor as George, a fellow assistant, and Jon Rudnitsky as another colleague in the office. Each character contributes to the escalating scheme to give their bosses a night off by setting them up on a blind date. The ensemble cast delivers performances that balance physical comedy with sincere romantic moments.
Lucy Liu brings a no-nonsense energy to the role of Kirsten Stevens, a demanding editor at a fictional newspaper. Tyler Hoechlin's portrayal of Rick Kessler, a charismatic sports reporter, provides the foil for the assistants' plan. The film also features Aasif Mandvi in a supporting role as a senior editor, adding workplace humor. The casting choices emphasize chemistry between the leads and a diverse range of comedic styles. Glen Powell's performance in Set It Up helped solidify his presence in the romantic comedy genre before his later roles in action and drama projects.
Plot Summary and Themes
The plot centers on Harper and Charlie, overworked assistants to two demanding bosses in New York City. They decide to set up their bosses on a date to gain more free time for themselves. The scheme involves creating fake profiles, orchestrating chance meetings, and managing the logistics of a blind date. As the plan unfolds, the assistants begin to question their own career paths and personal desires. The story explores themes of ambition, work-life balance, and the fear of missing out on love while chasing professional success.
Key plot points include a failed attempt at a double date, a romantic misunderstanding at a concert, and a climactic moment where the assistants' deception is revealed. The film uses the backdrop of a fast-paced media office to comment on the gig economy and the sacrifices young professionals make. The resolution focuses on honest communication and taking risks in both career and love. The narrative structure follows a three-act format with a clear inciting incident, rising action, and a satisfying conclusion. Set It Up concludes with the assistants gaining new perspectives on their own lives and relationships.
Reception and Availability
Set It Up received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with praise for the lead performances and comedic timing. Audience scores on major review aggregators reflect its appeal as a light, entertaining watch. The film has been described as a refreshing addition to the Netflix