Picture This Review: Simone Ashley shines in a feel-good but predictable rom-com

‘Picture This’ is a predictable yet feel-good rom-com elevated by Simone Ashley’s charming performance.

‘Picture This’ is a rom-com centered around a London-based Indian family. While it doesn’t break new ground in the genre, it remains an entertaining watch, largely thanks to Simone Ashley’s delightful performance and strong support from the ensemble cast.

At its heart, it’s a straightforward love story with predictable twists that can be seen from a mile, but its charm lies in its simplicity. With quirky characters, humour, and a feel-good narrative, it keeps you engaged. As long as you don’t expect a deeply moving or ground-breaking plot, you’re in for an enjoyable ride.

Fate, love and a twist of destiny

The story follows Pia (Simone Ashley), a struggling photographer who co-runs an art studio with her gay best friend, Jay (Luke Fetherston). With her sister Sonal’s (Anoushka Chadha) wedding just days away, the family is caught up in the festivities. As per Hindu tradition, their mother consults a priest to read their astrological charts. To Pia’s surprise, the priest predicts that she will find the love of her life over the next five dates.

Initially dismissing the idea, she eventually gives in to pressure from her mother and Jay, embarking on a series of dates. Meanwhile, her former college love, Charlie (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), reappears in her life, having left years ago to manage his father’s struggling restaurant.

During this time, viewers also see Pia’s art studio struggling to stay in business and an eviction notice looming over her and Jay. Just as things seem hopeless, a video of Pia passionately explaining her art to a customer, shot by a young girl, unexpectedly goes viral.

Suddenly, the studio is flooded with visitors, giving it a new lease of life. On the day of her sister’s wedding, Pia has a realization—while going on dates, she had been searching for something she had already found in Charlie all along.

Quirky characters and a relatable protagonist

Inspired by the Australian film ‘Five Blind Dates,’ this version relocates the setting to London and centers around an Indian family. The film introduces a range of quirky characters—one of Pia’s dates is a wealth-obsessed man seeking a trophy wife, another is a nerd secretly involved with Pia’s mother, while a third, a yoga instructor, is completely consumed by his practice.

Adding to the mix is an Indian priest portrayed in a somewhat caricatured manner. Despite these eccentricities, it’s Simone Ashley’s portrayal of Pia that truly anchors the film. Her well-written, relatable character helps overshadow many of the film’s flaws, making her the heart of the story.

Simone Ashley shines with a strong supporting cast

From start to finish, the film revolves entirely around Simone Ashley, who appears in nearly every frame. She lives up to expectations, portraying Pia as a confused yet slightly self-absorbed individual who equates loneliness with independence. Ashley delivers a natural performance, bringing depth to her interactions—whether with her gay best friend Jay, her mother, or her sister—each dynamic carrying its own distinct charm.

Her exchanges with her mother stand out as some of the film’s best moments. Luke Fetherston, as Jay, offers solid support, and the warmth and respect between him and Pia feel genuine. Sindhu Vee shines as the mother, delivering both humour and heart, while Hero Fiennes Tiffin does justice to the role of Charlie, the former love trying to win Pia back. Meanwhile, Pia’s dates serve less to drive the plot and more to provide comedic interludes.

What works and what doesn’t work

The film’s feel-good factor is its biggest strength, maintaining a brisk pace with no dull moments. While the comedy doesn’t break new ground, it’s effective enough to bring a smile. However, what doesn’t work is the clichéd depiction of a South Asian family settled in the UK. This overused trope has been seen countless times before, and most characters fall into predictable stereotypes.

Verdict

‘Picture This’ is, at best, an average film that doesn’t bring anything fresh to the table, making it easily skippable. However, its feel-good vibe makes it a watchable affair. It follows a formula that has long grown stale—similar to the rom-com wave centered around London-based Indian families in the early 2000s, which eventually faded out. What truly stands out is Simone Ashley’s performance, proving her versatility. After captivating audiences in a period romance, she effortlessly steps into the world of modern dating and shines. Keep expectations low, and you won’t be disappointed.

Cast: Simone Ashley, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Luke Fetherston, Sindhu Vee, Nikesh Patel, Adil Ray, and Anoushka Chadha

Director: Prarthana Mohan

Rating: 2.5/5

(‘Picture This’ will soon stream on Prime Video)