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Set It Up

Name: Set It Up
Director: Claire Scanlon
Released: 2018
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

2018

TV-14

Director

Claire Scanlon

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Set It Up functions as a workplace satire that uses romantic comedy to critique modern corporate hierarchies. It succeeds by positioning subordinates as the primary architects of the plot, effectively disrupting traditional top-down power structures. The film excels in its subversion of traditional gender roles, presenting women as intellectually dominant and highly capable. By making the protagonists the drivers of the narrative, it challenges patriarchal leadership models. However, the film lacks representation for LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities. While it offers a diverse professional cast, it prioritizes themes of class and corporate exploitation over deeper explorations of racial or identity-based politics.

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Category Breakdown

Does Set It Up have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film adheres to a strictly straight-centered narrative, with no LGBTQ+ characters or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities featured.

How does Set It Up portray gender?

Excellent

Female protagonists play a significant role in driving the story with their intellect and strategic thinking, challenging traditional gender stereotypes.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Set It Up?

Good

The professional landscape includes actors of various ethnicities, with Lucy Liu in a position of significant institutional power. However, the story emphasizes socioeconomic status rather than explicit racial identity.

How does Set It Up represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques late-stage capitalism and 'hustle culture,' framing professional subversion as a necessary rebellion against an oppressive corporate system.

Does Set It Up include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or prominent depictions of physical disabilities or neurodivergent traits within the main character arcs.

Present on Screen

Strong women's ability to drive the story through protagonists who drive the narrative through intellect and strategic thinking.
Effective subversion of traditional gender hierarchies and patriarchal leadership clichés.
A diverse professional landscape that includes women of color in positions of institutional power.
A progressive critique of corporate exploitation and the pressures of modern hustle culture.

Limited or Absent

Complete lack of LGBTQ+ representation or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Absence of characters with visible physical disabilities or neurodivergent traits.
Limited exploration of racial identity beyond casting choices in a professional setting.

Official Synopsis

Two overworked and underpaid assistants come up with a plan to get their bosses off their backs by setting them up with each other.

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