Set It Up

Behind the Scenes of Set It Up: The Rom-Com That Let Its Stars Improvise and Play

Claire Scanlon’s 2018 Netflix rom-com Set It Up arrived as a sleeper hit, blending sharp workplace humor with the chemistry of its leads, Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell. latestnetflix.com's take is that while the film’s premise—two overworked assistants scheming to set up their demanding bosses—might sound familiar, the behind-the-scenes details reveal a production that leaned into spontaneity, star power, and a director with a knack for comedic timing.

A Director’s Shift from Editing to Rom-Coms

Claire Scanlon, known for her work as an editor on TV comedies like The Office and Parks and Recreation, made her feature directorial debut with Set It Up. Her background in cutting together punchlines for some of TV’s most beloved mockumentaries likely informed the film’s snappy rhythm. Scanlon’s transition from editor to director wasn’t just a career pivot—it was a chance to shape a genre she clearly understood. As one source notes, she’s "renowned for her contributions to television comedies and romantic films," suggesting her editorial eye helped craft the film’s balance of humor and heart .

Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell: The Chemistry That Sold the Movie

The film’s success hinged on the believable, banter-filled dynamic between Deutch and Powell, who played assistants Harper and Charlie. Behind the scenes, their rapport wasn’t just acting—it was improvisation. Clips from Netflix’s promotional material show the duo playing a game called "Horrible Bosses: True or False," where they riffed on their characters’ absurd workplace struggles . Another video features Deutch and Powell in an "irl" (in real life) segment, hinting at their off-screen camaraderie . While the evidence doesn’t confirm whether their improvisations made it into the final cut, the playful energy in these clips suggests a set where the actors were encouraged to experiment.

A Cast of Comedic Heavyweights (and a Few Surprises)

Beyond the leads, Set It Up assembled a supporting cast that added depth to its workplace satire. Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs played the high-powered bosses Harper and Charlie scheme to unite, while Pete Davidson and Tituss Burgess brought their signature comedic styles to smaller but memorable roles. Burgess, in particular, stood out as a scene-stealing coworker, while Davidson’s brief appearance as a bike messenger added a dose of absurdist humor .

The film’s French title, Petits coups montés, hints at its international appeal, though its reception was mixed—garnering a modest 5.4/10 rating on SensCritique from nearly 2,000 votes . Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t provide a critic score in the available evidence, but the audience response suggests it found its niche as a lighthearted, bingeable rom-com .

The Netflix Factor: A Low-Stakes Hit

As a Netflix original, Set It Up benefited from the platform’s appetite for mid-budget rom-coms, a genre that had seen a resurgence in the late 2010s. The film’s trailer, which amassed millions of views, leaned into the "opposites attract" trope while teasing the chaotic energy of Harper and Charlie’s schemes . Behind-the-scenes footage, like the cast taking an "Assistant Challenge," reinforced the movie’s playful tone, positioning it as a fun, low-stakes watch .

What We Don’t Know (Yet)

Despite the glimpses into the film’s production, some details remain elusive. There’s no confirmation in the available evidence about whether Scanlon’s editorial background directly influenced specific scenes, or if the cast’s improvisations made it into the final cut. The film’s budget, shooting locations, and box office performance (if any) are also unconfirmed in the provided sources. For now, Set It Up stands as a testament to the power of chemistry—both on-screen and behind the camera.