The talented British actress Simone Ashley has undoubtedly become a household name in Hollywood. Following her captivating performance as Kate Sharma in the hit Netflix series “Bridgerton,” Simone is now making her way to Prime Video with a brand new film. Her latest project, titled “Picture This,” has been creating quite a buzz, and we’re here to dive into the details of this exciting new release.
What’s the story all about?
The film revolves around Pia, a 30-year-old Indian girl living in London, played by Simone Ashley. Pia runs her own photo studio and is accompanied by her friend Jay, portrayed by Luke Newton. Together, they’re attempting to make their business flourish, but things aren’t quite falling into place. Pia’s family, comprising her mother Lakshmi, father Mukul, and younger sister Sonal, are all eager to see her tie the knot. With Sonal’s wedding on the horizon, Lakshmi is particularly keen on finding a suitable groom for Pia. However, Pia has other plans and is more focused on expanding her studio. Her mother’s persistence leads to a rather unconventional approach, where Pia’s palm is shown to a pandit, who predicts that one of her next five dates will be her life partner. This sets off a series of events where the entire family gets involved in setting Pia up with various suitors, unaware that her heart still belongs to her ex-boyfriend Charlie, played by Hero Fiennes-Tiffin.
A glimpse into the film
So, what’s “Picture This” like?
Simone Ashley delivers a commendable performance as Pia, and her chemistry with Luke Newton is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the film. Hero Fiennes-Tiffin, as Charlie, brings a certain charm to his character, and it’s a shame we don’t get to see more of him. The supporting cast, including Sindhu Vee, Anushka Chaddha, and Adil Ray, all do justice to their respective roles. Sindhu, in particular, shines as a strict yet loving mother. While the film boasts a talented ensemble cast, it somehow lacks the depth and emotional resonance that would make it truly memorable.
The movie offers a classic portrayal of an Indian family in a Hollywood setting, complete with the usual trappings of tradition, marriage, and aunties. At its core, it’s a story about a young woman trying to forge her own path while being pulled into the expectations of her family. The romantic subplot between Pia and Charlie adds a sweet touch, but ultimately, the film’s predictable and somewhat superficial narrative holds it back from leaving a lasting impact. With a runtime of just 1 hour 40 minutes, “Picture This” is a lighthearted, easy watch, but it fails to truly capture the complexity of emotions that would elevate it to something more substantial. If you’re willing to overlook its shortcomings, you might find “Picture This” to be a pleasant, albeit forgettable, viewing experience.