Simone Ashley's performance in Bridgerton Season 2 hinted at her potential as a rising star. In the new Prime Video film Picture This, she seizes the opportunity to showcase her talents as a leading lady in a romantic comedy, and she certainly delivers. Although this film is inspired by the Australian feature Five Blind Dates, which premiered on the platform just a year prior, Picture This adeptly captures the humorous nuances of Indian NRI culture, resulting in a lighthearted, enjoyable, and heartfelt romantic comedy.

The premise

The premise centers around Pia (Simone Ashley), a 29-year-old photographer residing in London, who is frequently reminded that time is of the essence in her quest for marriage. With her younger sister Sonal (Anoushka Chadha) on the verge of her pre-wedding celebrations, their mother, Laxmi (Sindhu Vee) seizes yet another opportunity to urge Pia to settle down. She takes the sisters to their family vault to reveal the jewelry she has preserved for their future marriages.

However, Pia is resolute in her disinterest in marriage and motherhood, preferring to concentrate on her career, especially as her photography studio is struggling. Her supportive gay best friend, Jay (Luke Fetherston), stands by her side, but the question remains: how long can they maintain this arrangement? Complicating matters is the unexpected return of her ex-boyfriend, Charlie (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), with whom she had broken up years earlier. Subsequently, her family devises a quirky plan to arrange five dates for Pia, as an astrologer predicts that she will find her ideal partner among them. Faced with this compatibility challenge, Pia has no option but to engage in this whirlwind of dating leading up to the wedding.

More blind dates, less success

Picture This embarks on its narrative journey with a familiar charm. We are introduced to this family and their complicated dynamics through endearing revelations and amusing situations. Although the trajectory of the story is predictable, director Prarthana Mohan and writer Nikita Lalwani enrich the conventional genre tropes with cultural nuances that will resonate particularly with audiences of Indian heritage, ranging from the caller tunes to the myriad customs preceding the wedding, as well as the relentless pressure from relatives regarding marriage. The film also offers a warm portrayal of supporting characters, notably the divorced mother, Laxmi, which culminates in a delightfully awkward blind date scenario.

The moments of contrast in Picture This manifest through the central romance, as Pia grapples with her feelings while reflecting on her past relationship with Charlie. These elements feel somewhat underdeveloped and are resolved too hastily in the latter part of the film, which spends excessive time on Pia's initial dating experiences. The primary romantic tension, which could have provided greater depth and richness to the film's overall narrative, ultimately falls short. Consequently, despite the genuine enthusiasm surrounding Pia's character, the stakes fail to escalate in a compelling manner.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, Picture This exudes a lighthearted and captivating energy bolstered by vibrant costume design and a delightful musical score. Simone Ashley delivers a captivating performance in the lead role, leaving viewers wishing for more exploration of her romantic ambitions. Pia embodies a blend of charm and quirkiness reminiscent of Bridget Jones, yet she distinctly carves out her own identity by the film's conclusion. Picture This successfully allows her the space to clarify her priorities, resulting in a charming and enjoyable addition to the genre.

Picture This made its debut on Prime Video on March 6.

Read Also: Kingston Movie Review: GV Prakash's Maritime Thriller Struggles to Stay Afloat

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!