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In the ever-evolving landscape of romantic comedies, Prarthana Mohan and Nikita Lalwani’s Prime Video film, Picture This, starring British-Indian actor/ executive producer Simone Ashley (Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, Sex Education, Bridgerton), shines brightly as a beacon of reinvention and hope for the genre. In a time when rom-coms were starting to feel predictable and outdated, this 2025 release brings a refreshing blend of humor, heart, and diversity, proving that the genre still has untapped potential. Picture This is a love letter to the modern-day rom-com, offering a vibrant and inclusive vision that resonates deeply with audiences who crave fresh, authentic, and empowering portrayals of love in its many forms.
Pia, the Protagonist
Ashley’s portrayal of Pia, an ambitious and talented photographer navigating life and love in a big city, is nothing short of captivating. Her character feels wonderfully complex—neither defined by her relationship status nor reduced to a mere romantic object. Pia’s journey is about self-discovery, career growth, and learning to open her heart while staying true to her artistic passion. As a protagonist, Pia is a breath of fresh air. She is fiercely independent, intelligent, and unapologetically herself.
What’s most empowering is how Picture This avoids the traditional rom-com pitfall of making the lead character’s happiness contingent on finding the “right” person. Instead, Pia’s emotional evolution centers around trusting herself and embracing love as a natural, fulfilling part of her already rich life. This sense of autonomy is a powerful message that challenges the often-dated notion that women in rom-coms must be “rescued” by love or depend on a relationship for validation.
The film’s strength lies not only in the refreshing portrayal of its lead character but also in its celebration of diversity and inclusivity within the rom-com genre. Picture This is a prime example of how romantic comedies can evolve to reflect the diverse world we live in. With its varied and authentic cast of characters, the Prime Video film demonstrates the importance of representation—especially for audiences who may have been underserved by traditional rom-com tropes. By featuring a predominantly non-white cast, Picture This feels more representative of the multicultural fabric of today’s society. Pia herself, portrayed by the exceptionally talented Ashley, offers an empowering depiction of a South Asian woman navigating both her personal and professional life in a Western city. Her portrayal is nuanced and relatable, breaking free from the stereotypical roles often imposed on characters of her background.
New Visions
This shift toward diversity isn’t just about casting—it’s about portraying love and relationships in ways that transcend cultural, racial, and socio-economic boundaries. The film doesn’t just focus on romance between two people of similar backgrounds; instead, it showcases the richness of love through a global and multifaceted lens. The supporting characters, too, reflect a broad spectrum of experiences and perspectives, from friends of diverse ethnicities to family members who embody different approaches to love and life. In doing so, Picture This celebrates the fact that love, in all its forms, is not confined to one particular narrative.
The Prime Video film’s backdrop—the vibrant city, teeming with artists, creatives, and free spirits—adds to the overall sense of inclusivity. It’s a world where differences are embraced, and the boundaries of conventional love stories are pushed. Pia’s work as a photographer serves as both a personal and symbolic journey. Through her lens, we are shown that love isn’t just a fleeting moment or a fairy tale ending, but rather a series of snapshots—imperfect, raw, and beautifully real. This metaphor works seamlessly within the narrative, adding a layer of depth to the story. The visuals are thoughtfully crafted, capturing moments of stillness and intimacy in soft lighting, allowing the audience to connect not only with the characters but also with the emotional essence of the story.
Modern Pursuits
Another important aspect of Picture This is its awareness of the pressures and challenges of modern life. From the hustle of a demanding career to the balancing act of friendships, family, and love, the film addresses the complexities that come with being an adult in today’s world. The characters are fully realized people, not simply cogs in a romantic plot. For example, Pia faces the challenge of pursuing her art career while staying true to her personal values and desires. This is a nuanced exploration of self-empowerment, positioning the film as more than just a rom-com—it’s also a story about growth and finding one’s place in the world.
Perhaps most refreshing is the film’s independence from tired romantic comedy tropes, e.g. the dramatic misunderstanding or contrived love triangle. Instead, the conflict is more internal: it’s about Pia’s emotional barriers, her fear of opening up, and her hesitations around vulnerability. The relationships in the film feel natural and grounded because they are built on mutual respect, understanding, and real-life struggles. The message of Picture This isn’t that love is perfect or easy but that love, when approached with authenticity, is always worth pursuing. It’s about embracing the messiness of human connection, accepting imperfections, and learning how to grow together.
Ashley’s performance is one of the film’s standout elements. She brings warmth, intelligence, and vulnerability to Pia, ensuring that her journey resonates with a wide audience. There is a depth to her portrayal that elevates the Prime Video film beyond mere romantic comedy, making her one of the most engaging romantic leads in recent memory. Her ability to balance humor with poignant emotional moments ensures that Pia is both relatable and aspirational—someone who embodies the evolving ideals of modern love.
Final Thoughts on Prime Video’s Picture This
Ultimately, Picture This is a testament to the potential of romantic comedies in the 21st century. It successfully captures the genre’s essence while evolving it to reflect a diverse, inclusive, and authentic world. The film is a celebration of love in all its forms—romantic, platonic, familial—and highlights the importance of seeing oneself reflected in the stories we tell. As we move into an era where representation is key, Picture This offers a much-needed reinvigoration of the rom-com, proving that the genre still has the power to captivate and inspire. With its unforgettable lead performance by Simone Ashley, its inclusive cast, and its heartfelt exploration of love and self-discovery, Picture This is the romantic comedy we’ve been waiting for.
3.5/5 stars
Prarthana Mohan and Nikita Lalwani’s Picture This is now streaming via Prime Video!
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