Picture This: A Charming British Rom-Com with a Twist
“Picture This” is a delightful British romantic comedy directed by Prarthana Mohan, a film that captures the vibrant energy of London while weaving a story of love, family, and self-discovery. The movie centers around Pia, a talented but struggling photographer played by Simone Ashley, who is best known for her role in “Bridgerton.” Pia is the co-owner of a portrait studio called the 9th Mandala, a business she runs with her “gay bestie,” Jay, played by Luke Fetherston. While Pia’s creativity shines through her work, her life becomes increasingly complicated as she navigates her career, family expectations, and a string of romantic entanglements.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is its cast, particularly the abundance of dimples among the actors. It’s almost as if the casting call for “Picture This” included a quirky note: “Those without dimples needn’t apply.” The men orbiting Pia—Jay, Akshay (Nikesh Patel), and her ex-boyfriend Charlie (Hero Fiennes Tiffin)—all bring their own unique charm to the story, each with their own brand of charisma and, of course, dimples. The chemistry between the actors is undeniable, making their interactions both believable and endearing.
The plot of “Picture This” is a delightful twist on the classic rom-com formula. Pia’s life takes an unexpected turn when her ex-boyfriend Charlie reappears at her sister Sonal’s (Anoushka Chadha) wedding. The two meet again under awkward circumstances, reigniting old sparks but also old conflicts. Meanwhile, Pia’s mother, played by Sindhu Vee, offers her daughter a peculiar deal: a box of family jewels as a wedding dowry, but only if Pia agrees to marry. Pia, however, has other plans. She’s a strong-willed woman determined to carve her own path, both personally and professionally.
The story takes a supernatural turn when a jolly medium predicts that Pia will meet the love of her life within her next five dates. This prophecy sets off a series of events that blur the lines between tradition and modernity, as Pia finds herself torn between her desire for independence and the pressures of cultural expectations. The film, written by novelist Nikita Lalwani and loosely based on the Australian movie “Five Blind Dates,” manages to balance lighthearted humor with deeper themes of identity and family.
Visually, “Picture This” is a treat. The film’s vivid color palette and playful use of split screens—sometimes vertical, sometimes horizontal—add a sense of fun and creativity to the storytelling. The music is equally impressive, blending international pop grooves that perfectly complement the film’s lively tone. Despite the many challenges Pia faces—ranging from the risk of losing her business to the strain in her relationship with her younger sister—the film never feels heavy. It keeps its tone light, avoiding the sharp edges of potential failure and instead focusing on the hope and resilience that define Pia’s journey.
In the end, “Picture This” is a heartwarming and visually stunning romantic comedy that explores themes of love, family, and self-discovery. With its talented cast, vibrant visuals, and a story that feels both familiar and fresh, the film is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a lighthearted, feel-good movie. Running at just under 1 hour and 40 minutes, “Picture This” is available to stream on Prime Video, offering viewers a charming escape into Pia’s world of photo shoots, prophecies, and love.
Picture This: A Charming British Rom-Com with a Twist
“Picture This” is a heartwarming British romantic comedy directed by Prarthana Mohan, a film that captures the vibrant energy of London while weaving a story of love, family, and self-discovery. The movie centers around Pia, a talented but struggling photographer played by Simone Ashley, who is best known for her role in “Bridgerton.” Pia is the co-owner of a portrait studio called the 9th Mandala, a business she runs with her “gay bestie,” Jay, played by Luke Fetherston. While Pia’s creativity shines through her work, her life becomes increasingly complicated as she navigates her career, family expectations, and a string of romantic entanglements.
The Cast and Their Chemistry
One of the most striking aspects of the film is its cast, particularly the abundance of dimples among the actors. It’s almost as if the casting call for “Picture This” included a quirky note: “Those without dimples needn’t apply.” The men orbiting Pia—Jay, Akshay (Nikesh Patel), and her ex-boyfriend Charlie (Hero Fiennes Tiffin)—all bring their own unique charm to the story, each with their own brand of charisma and, of course, dimples. The chemistry between the actors is undeniable, making their interactions both believable and endearing.
A Twist on the Classic Rom-Com Formula
The plot of “Picture This” is a delightful twist on the classic rom-com formula. Pia’s life takes an unexpected turn when her ex-boyfriend Charlie reappears at her sister Sonal’s (Anoushka Chadha) wedding. The two meet again under awkward circumstances, reigniting old sparks but also old conflicts. Meanwhile, Pia’s mother, played by Sindhu Vee, offers her daughter a peculiar deal: a box of family jewels as a wedding dowry, but only if Pia agrees to marry. Pia, however, has other plans. She’s a strong-willed woman determined to carve her own path, both personally and professionally.
Balancing Tradition and Modernity
The story takes a supernatural turn when a jolly medium predicts that Pia will meet the love of her life within her next five dates. This prophecy sets off a series of events that blur the lines between tradition and modernity, as Pia finds herself torn between her desire for independence and the pressures of cultural expectations. The film, written by novelist Nikita Lalwani and loosely based on the Australian movie “Five Blind Dates,” manages to balance lighthearted humor with deeper themes of identity and family.
Visual and Audio Delights
Visually, “Picture This” is a treat. The film’s vivid color palette and playful use of split screens—sometimes vertical, sometimes horizontal—add a sense of fun and creativity to the storytelling. The music is equally impressive, blending international pop grooves that perfectly complement the film’s lively tone. Despite the many challenges Pia faces—ranging from the risk of losing her business to the strain in her relationship with her younger sister—the film never feels heavy. It keeps its tone light, avoiding the sharp edges of potential failure and instead focusing on the hope and resilience that define Pia’s journey.
A Feel-Good Escape
In the end, “Picture This” is a heartwarming and visually stunning romantic comedy that explores themes of love, family, and self-discovery. With its talented cast, vibrant visuals, and a story that feels both familiar and fresh, the film is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a lighthearted, feel-good movie. Running at just under 1 hour and 40 minutes, “Picture This” is available to stream on Prime Video, offering viewers a charming escape into Pia’s world of photo shoots, prophecies, and love.