"Picture This," directed by Prarthana Mohan and recently released on Prime Video, is a comedic film. It features Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Charlie and Simone Ashley as Pia; their chemistry and banter are undeniable.
This film is about a struggling photographer named Pia. She has a studio based on her grandmother's dream. Her younger sister Sonal, played by Anoushka Chadha, is getting married, and Pia is one of the bridesmaids who has to attend multiple events. Pia is told that she will find her true love and that her career will become a success within the following five dates. Her family becomes a matchmaker, but her ex appears in her life again, which brings up her old feelings.
Highs
Ashley's performance as Pia was done well. She portrays this strong, independent woman that is charming and determined. She brings this depth to her character as a photographer, highlighting her skills and passion. Her passion for photography is beautiful, but she is stubborn about finding love.
The banter between Pia and Charlie is hilarious and keeps the audience engaged. Their love for one another is evident throughout the film, especially when Charlie shows his passion. He never overcame it, but she became stubborn because of their past relationship. Fiennes' portrayal of Charlie was as imagined; he loves his job as a chef. He is passionate about food, which is combined with Pia's passion.
The quality of the culture was shown beautifully. The Hindu outfits for the wedding and the events were well done. This shows the authenticity of the culture and connects with individuals of this culture. The wedding incorporated all the aspects of Hinduism, including gorgeous customs and scenery.
Pia and her best friend Jay, played by Luke Fetherston, have a strong and unbreakable friendship. He supports Pia no matter what and believes in her even though they are going bankrupt. Their banter makes the film hilarious.
Lows
The lows in this film are minimal, considering it's a simple romantic comedy. However, the plot was more predictable and lacked surprise. These are typical romantic comedy tropes that need a little more uniqueness. Also, the film lacks background information on what happened in Charlie and Pia’s relationship.
Some aspects of the film were unnecessary. For example, Pia's dates were very random. This was hilarious, but it lacked some sort of suspense when it came to her finding someone new. She always returned to Charlie, but a guy should have been competing with him. This would have made things more enjoyable for the film.
Verdict
"Picture This" is worth watching for a romantic comedy; it has this lighthearted aspect that is fun in movies. The banter between the characters keeps the film entertaining and happy.
Rating: 6.5 out of 10
Mariam Fakhreddine is a film and theater reviewer for The Eastern Echo. She has worked as a news and features reporter for The Echo for two years.
