Simone Ashley’s Picture This is a refreshing rom-com where love isn’t the only happy ending

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Over the past few years, a number of outstanding films that focus on South Asia have been released – such as “Polite Society”, “Wedding Season”, and “Monkey Man”. If you enjoyed these movies, then you’re in for a treat with Prime Video’s latest original production titled “Picture This“.

In this romantic comedy, the lead roles are played by Simone Ashley (from Bridgerton), Hero Fiennes Tiffin, and Anoushka Chadha. The story revolves around Pia, who runs a struggling photo studio in East London, as she navigates her life’s challenges.

As the preparations intensify for Sonal’s upcoming wedding, Pia accompanies her sister and mother Laxmi (Sindhu Vee) to inspect the family gold that will be given to each daughter at marriage, in accordance with traditional Indian customs.

For Pia, however, marriage isn’t currently a priority. Not only has she been deeply affected by a recent break-up with her ex, Charlie, but she is also fully committed to pursuing her love for photography and finding a way to afford her studio, which serves as her creative sanctuary.

At the start of the wedding festivities, Pia’s mother asks a spiritual guide (Kulvinder Ghir from “Goodness Gracious Me”) to evaluate the compatibility of her youngest daughter’s future partner. As a surprise for Pia, he also performs a palm reading. He predicts that she will fall in love with one of the next five men she dates, mentioning that her lines of love and career are closely connected.

Hereafter, Pia’s relatives are on a quest to find her potential partners. Some turn out to be surprisingly fitting, while others fall short, and there are those who are the embodiment of nightmares for any woman.

Fortunately, the series “Picture This” avoids relying on worn-out stereotypes suggesting that Pia’s path to happiness is tied to a wedding ring, or that desiring marriage would make her a less progressive feminist.

Laxmi, much like numerous South Asian elders, desires for her daughter to establish a lasting relationship with a worthy suitor. This perspective has been passed on through generations, viewing marriage as the pinnacle accomplishment, an unshakable milestone, so it’s not shocking that Laxmi conceals her personal truth to uphold the family image.

In the course of the film, Pia’s dates not only clarify the qualities she definitely dislikes in a potential partner, but also help define what she yearns for in her romantic relationships. These men, including the ever-amusing Asim Chaudhry, function as mirrors for Pia to consider her own preferences, while also providing insights into her family members, particularly her mum, dad, and sister.

As both an executive producer and a key cast member, Ashley spoke with Digital Spy about her intentions for the character Pia. She aims to add a tender touch to the character, delving into Pia’s affection for her family and her longing for love, “despite the fact that she might not realize it herself at the moment.

It’s evident that Pia and Charlie share a bond, and while their storyline might not take viewers by surprise, the ending offers a fulfillment of Pia’s professional aspirations alongside her personal feelings – a resolution uniquely tailored to her alone.

In the movie “Picture This“, there are many touching moments between Pia, Sonal, and Lami. These discussions challenge their beliefs and allow them to gain a greater understanding of one another at a more profound level.

Pia’s refusal to follow conventional milestones seems to criticize her sister Sonal’s decisions, as Pia’s strong independence conflicts with the excitement of a grand Indian wedding. However, for Sonal, discovering true love is currently the greatest source of happiness for her character, and that’s not a negative thing at all.

In essence, “Picture This” stands out for reasons beyond merely reviving the relationship between Pia and Charlie. The dialogues in this work underscore that there isn’t a single ideal way to be a woman in the year 2025. Instead, we all grapple with cultural norms, societal expectations, and gender roles, but every path through life is equally valid, as none is inherently superior to another.

According to Ashley, Pia is a character who values her independence, yet she’s learning that independence doesn’t necessitate isolation. Instead, it’s possible to maintain independence while keeping your heart open to the people and world around you, with the support of family and friends.

The film concludes much like it started – save for the traditional wedding dance scene. Instead, Pia and her mother resume their discussion about family heirlooms, with Laxmi suggesting that Pia can claim the jewelry without waiting for marriage.

Rather than being advised to save her gold, Pia is inspired by her mother to put it into her photography business – a significant gesture of support that underscores the influence of powerful South Asian narratives in “Picture This.” It’s a subtle yet poignant moment hinting at the compelling storyline that makes this series worth watching tonight.

Picture This is available to watch right now on Prime Video.

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2025-03-06 15:24