It’s a Sunday morning and I just finished watching the movie, “Picture This”. I downloaded this movie last night and slept off barely five minutes into the movie. Not because it was a bore, God no. But because seeing a movie right after eating to my heart’s content is always a recipe for a good sleep.

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I downloaded this movie majorly for one reason, “Simone Ashley “. I recognized her from the Series, Bridgerton and if there’s one thing I could not resist, it is seeing her on screen again. I love her energy so much and as usual, the brought on and delivered the best in this movie.

Pia (Simone Ashley) is a self-proclaimed independent woman that doesn’t need a man to complete her. She is also London-based photographer trying to keep her career from sinking. During one of the many numerous meetings to prepare for her sister’s weddings, a spiritual guru drops a prophecy, Pia will meet the love of her life within her next five dates. Pia being Pia, she wanted to laugh it off, but her family insists and takes it upon themselves to set dates for her. So begins a series of blind dates, each one wilder than the last. And just when I was trying to figure who could be her soulmate from the list of self-absorbed Nepo baby, the man who is in love with Pia’s mother and the simple minded chakra obsessed guy, her ex comes waltzing back into her life full of charms and unresolved tensions.

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First of all, I LOVEEEE English banter. The way the sarcasm just rolls off? Yup! Definitely my type of movie.

Obviously, Simone Ashley ate up this role. She just knows how to convey emotions not just with her words but even the facial expressions, the right balance of goofiness, charm, wit and vulnerability. Oh, I have to mention, there was even this scene I actually disliked her. Yes, I know! I like her so much yet she was also able to convince me to dislike her character in that moment. Do you know how difficult it is to think your favorite character is being unnecessarily difficult and self-absorbed? As a big fan, in your ryes, your favorites can do no wrong, yet in that moment, I almost infuriatingly yelled, “what exactly is your problem!?” Yes, that’s how good of an actress she is.

Hero Fiennes Tiffin played Charlie. The adorable e that even I wouldn’t have been able to get over. Listen, the man knows how to brood, and he did it well. Their chemistry was definitely there, but I won’t lie, I wanted more. Like, give me that undeniable spark that makes you want to pause and re-watch a scene five more times. Some of the romantic tension felt a little undercooked, but considering it’s just an hour and a few minutes long movie, they made a cute pair.

Picture This follows the good ol’ rom-com formula. There’s the gay best friend hyping Pia up. There’s the predictable but still satisfying moment of clarity where she realizes who she truly wants. And of course, there's a grand romantic gesture because, duh, it’s a rom-com, and nope, we’re not complaining. We eat that up every time.

snapped myself

snapped myself

The cinematography was also beautiful. Never knew London could look that good. I also love the inclusion of the Indian culture and movie essence. One can see it in the dialogues, the cinematography and even the lighting, it sure did take some notes from the Bollywood industry. And it really soothe my heart because I’d been craving a Bollywood movie for so long and while this is not proper-proper Bollywood, it still gives you a taste of it. The writing was really cute, I just love the English banter so much, but it plays it safe. I wish they had taken a few more risks, especially with the ending. I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say I saw it coming from a mile away. It still made me grin and blush though.

If you love romantic comedies, you’ll enjoy Picture This. It will it make you smile, laugh, and maybe even text your ex (perhaps don’t?). I'll rate this movie a 6/10.

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