Set It Up

Set It Up

Year: 2018

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Claire Scanlon

Echo Score: 75
ComedyRomance

Two overworked assistants in New York City, Harper and Charlie, devise a plan to set up their demanding bosses, Kristen and Rick, hoping to ease their own workloads. As they orchestrate a series of orchestrated encounters, they find themselves navigating unexpected complications and developing feelings for each other, blurring the lines between professional strategy and romantic possibility. Their elaborate scheme might just score them more than they bargained for.

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Set It Up (2018) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Set It Up (2018), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Harper Moore, an ambitious assistant to Kirsten Stevens, a former journalist turned editor at a leading online sports journalism platform, navigates the complexities of her demanding work life. Her counterpart, Charlie Young, assists the high-strung venture capitalist Rick Otis. Their paths cross one fateful evening when both of their bosses require dinner.

With no cash on hand to pay for the food she ordered, Harper finds herself in a tight spot. Luckily, Charlie, who had failed to order dinner for Rick, steps up and pays for the meal. Understanding the stakes, he amiably allows Harper to take one of the dinners to prevent her termination.

The next day, once they settle into a conversation about their overly demanding jobs, the two realize they share an understanding. While Charlie wrestles with Rick’s harsh demeanor, which ironically positions him for a potential promotion, Harper looks up to Kirsten’s stellar career, aspiring to carve her own niche in sports journalism. Both assistants lament their sparse social lives, sharing jokes about their understaffed bosses needing to unwind.

In a lighthearted spirit, Harper suggests that if Rick and Kirsten were romantically involved, they might have less time to burden their employees. Following a near breakup with his girlfriend Suze, who is frustrated with his unyielding work schedule, Charlie decides to help Harper put their plan into motion.

Their scheme initially involves stalling an elevator with the help of the eccentric janitor Creepy Tim, but things take an unexpected turn when a delivery man joins them, exhibiting confusing behavior. Determined to bring the two bosses together, Harper and Charlie then try to pair them up at a baseball game by employing the kiss-cam. Their plan works after three attempts, resulting in Rick and Kirsten sharing a kiss, thus allowing both assistants a chance at romance.

However, the newly formed relationship faces challenges, prompting Harper and Charlie to develop creative ways to keep their bosses together. From arranging surprise dates to leaving loving notes, they work tirelessly to maintain the spark. When Charlie experiences tension with Suze, he finds solace at Becca’s engagement party, now accompanied by Harper.

Upon returning from a vacation, excitement bubbles as Rick and Kirsten announce their engagement. But joy soon turns to concern when Charlie discovers Rick’s ulterior motive—he intended to provoke his ex-wife, Kiki, by marrying Kirsten while still sleeping with her. Harper uncovers this betrayal when she overhears Rick’s intimate conversation with Kiki, leading to a confrontation with Charlie, who shockingly had prior knowledge of the situation.

With Harper feeling betrayed, she confesses to Kirsten about the manipulation orchestrated by her and Charlie, resulting in her termination. In a moment of clarity, Charlie ends his relationship with Suze and rushes to the airport just as Rick and Kirsten plan to elope. Boldly, he reveals Rick’s true feelings to Kirsten, sparking a realization that propels her out of the toxic relationship.

As Harper grapples with a creative block, Becca inspires her to forge ahead, while Rick seeks Charlie’s help to reconnect with Kiki. During a visit to her office to collect her belongings, Harper encounters Kirsten, who attempts to coax her back into her role. Choosing instead to pursue her writing passion, Harper is offered editorial assistance, marking a pivotal moment of growth.

In a coincidental twist, she bumps into Charlie, who shares that he is now temping, allowing him to find his true calling. Realizing their mutual feelings, Harper and Charlie share a heartfelt kiss, despite the complicated circumstances surrounding their lives.

In the mid-credits scene, the ever-watchful Creepy Tim gazes at the couple through security cameras, adding a quirky twist to their romantic journey.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 12:03

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Characters whose elaborate plans to set up others lead to their own unexpected romance.If you enjoyed the clever plotting and romantic chaos of Set It Up, you'll love these films. This collection features charming romantic comedies where characters try to orchestrate love for others, only to find their own hearts entangled. Discover more movies like Set It Up with witty banter, lighthearted schemes, and feel-good endings.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a cause-and-effect structure driven by a central scheme. Characters initiate a plan to manipulate the romantic lives of others, leading to a series of orchestrated encounters. Complications arise from misunderstandings, unforeseen feelings, or the subjects of the scheme having their own agendas, forcing the schemers to adapt. The climax often involves the scheme unraveling, revealing the true romantic connection between the planners themselves.

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Movies in this thread share a light, optimistic tone and a focus on the humorous complications of playing matchmaker. They feature witty, fast-talking characters, a steady pacing filled with comedic set pieces, and a central narrative built around a plan that spirals charmingly out of control, ultimately leading to personal and romantic growth.

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Narrative Summary

The journey centers on characters defined by their professional aspirations, often feeling overworked or unfulfilled. Their work environment—be it an office, a high-stakes industry, or a shared project—serves as the catalyst for their romantic connection. The plot intertwines career-related challenges with the development of the relationship, exploring themes of work-life balance and finding what truly matters beyond professional success.

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These films are grouped by their shared setting and theme. They possess a light to moderate emotional weight, a steady, character-driven pace, and an upbeat, urban energy. The specific vibe comes from the blend of professional satire or struggle with a core romantic storyline, creating a relatable and aspirational feel-good experience.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Set It Up

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Set It Up Spoiler-Free Summary

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