Bridgerton fans have known for a while now, but Picture This cements the fact that Simone Ashley is a natural born star and a captivating comedy icon. Put her in every single role, project her photo on every billboard, and watch her name flicker with every light. In every way where it matters, Ashley’s range as an actress is phenomenal.
The oddest part of Picture This, however, is the fact that the film tries to convince us that Ashley’s Pia isn’t desirable. As though we aren’t fully aware that she’s someone who’d look amazing, even if she literally wore a potato sack. So few people can pull off every role, and she’s certainly one of them now. Where the plot is concerned, the film surprisingly focuses more on Pia’s self-discovery than on relationships, and frankly, that’s what works for us. For once, it’s okay that the “rom” isn’t as prominent or equal to the “com.” As a character, her journey is compelling enough to keep every beat of the film riveting and engaging while she goes on dates to find the one.
Directed by Prarthana Mohan and written by Nikita Lalwani, Picture This shines with its South Asian traditions, gorgeous costumes, music, and performances. Like Netflix’s Wedding Season—which is basically one of my all-time favorite present-day rom-coms—Pia’s story feels relatable and honest. She feels like a real person, not just someone who’s written, and again, so much of that also boils down to Ashley’s brilliant range. She glows so brightly on screen that it’s truly wild she’s been holding out for a man who didn’t want her?!
It’s clear from the start that there’s a plethora of warmth in every frame, especially those surrounding Pia and her family. The hijinks that ensue feel natural, but more than anything, it’s gripping to see how much depends on how they understand each other. Every moment of levity that’s met with another moment of vulnerability adds nuance and layers to the story in a way that works. By the end, the platonic relationships glisten with surprising twists that focus on families being empathetic to one another rather than isolating.
With her ex being the best man at her sister’s wedding, it was easy to expect a bit more development with them, but again, Pia’s journey and her belief in her photography are so moving that this narrative point isn’t something I’m dwelling on. At the same time, Pia’s best friend and work partner, Jay (Luke Fetherston), continually provides the type of dynamic that’s always lovely to see in fiction. Their friendship might be the film’s most endearing relationship.
More than anything, the movie is about agency and a woman grappling with what she wants for herself before she dives into love. It’s about fighting for the career she adores and sticking to her guns to keep trying because there’s something so incredibly powerful about making it on her own. The jokes are hilarious, the banter is great, Phil Dunster sings, and Nikesh Patel’s role here is so different from Starstruck that it was exceptionally hilarious to witness. Sindhu Vee is an unmistakable delight through and through.
There’s a slow burn, second-chance romance here, and while I generally prefer more angst in my romances, it was still mostly entertaining. It’s hard to say what it’d be like without such a compelling actress like Ashley, but then again, she brings an indescribable form of magic into every role she takes on.
Picture This is now streaming on Prime Video.
First Featured Image Credit: Prime Video