The Set

The Set focuses on Paul Lawrence, a working-class man who sells shirts in a Sydney department store and aspires to attend art school. After his girlfriend Cara leaves for London, Paul becomes a protégé of set designer Marie Rosefield. This connection introduces him to the vibrant yet challenging world of Sydney's art society.

As Paul works on designing a set for British stage director John L. Fredericks, he begins a homosexual affair with art student Tony Brown, complicating his relationships with his family and friends. The film delves into the intricacies of love and ambition against the backdrop of 1970s Australia, showcasing the struggles of its characters in a rapidly changing social landscape. The Set is notable for its exploration of gay themes and its portrayal of the Sydney art scene during this era.