30 Jun 2018

Netflix Made Us Fall in Love with “Set It Up”

“Set It Up” has been out for two weeks and I have watched it twice in that span of time. By now, you likely have too because all I see are social media comments on how Netflix is bringing back romantic comedies. Growing up, there was no shortage. I had “13 Going on 30,” “She’s All That,” “How to Lose a Guy in 10 days,” and basically “Sex and the City” as an entire series. As of late though, I couldn’t have told you the last rom-com I saw. Things like “50 Shades of Grey” are in a whole ‘nother genre of its own.

I must have heard about “Set It Up” about a week before it premiered. There was a preview of the trailer on Netflix – the very same one you see above. I made a mental note that this was debuting June 15th and because I happened to be out that evening, ended up watching it the following day. The trailer was cheeky, sure. The film, itself though, elevated rom-coms to a new level. I know what you’re thinking. You’re going to tell me that rom-coms are all the same. They have the same premise, the same hook and plot lines, and yes, you do see those. Why is this one any different? It’s not just about love. It’s about two dysfunctional 20-somethings actually figuring out themselves professionally and owning that they are not okay in the world before they find love with each other! Because THAT is how love should actually be discovered – not the other way around. It’s really just an honest take on what you already know.

Zoey Deutch is your quirky modern day manic pixie dream girl without the annoying qualities. She’s, at times, unstable and says the wrong things, but she’s quick on her feet and in the end, you find her incredibly lovable. Glen Powell reminds you of your favorite bros and your least favorite bros in one. He continues to make the wrong decisions – one after the other and you start to wonder if maybe he will ever pull himself out of this. Spoiler alert: he does. 2nd spoiler alert: they do get together, but the moment they realize it is the part that I won’t ruin for you.

The film is littered with cliches and you don’t end up hating it. There’s an airport scene. The film takes place in New York City. They share a dance together. There is a kiss cam! I’m not spoiling that for you; that’s actually in the trailer above. Romantic comedies naturally get a bad rap for being a cliche. In “Friends with Benefits,” Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake even poke fun at it. In “Set It Up,” I find that the cliches go a little bit unnoticed.

Maybe I just love romantic comedies. Maybe I love this movie because one of my good friends is an executive assistant and this movie reminds me of her life and could be a look into her future if she found her male counter part. Whatever the case, I wouldn’t be surprised if I found myself watching this a third time this weekend. I’ve heard that Netflix is continuing on with their rom-com track and if any of their future films are as enjoyable as “Set It Up,” then I am looking forward to it!