In the first few minutes of Picture This, the main protagonist, Pia (Simone Ashley), tells her conservative mother (Sindhu Vee) that she wants to focus on her career as a photographer who owns her studio rather than get married. “I’m building a life for myself on my own,” says Pia. “I don’t need a man to do that.”

We learn that she (surprisingly) has trouble finding a romantic partner, especially since her heart was broken by her ex, Charlie (Hero Fiennes Tiffin). But, it’s not like she will run into him again anytime soon. Right?

Like good old-fashioned romantic comedies, she finds out he’s the Best Man for her sister’s wedding — to which she is (surprise!) the Maid of Honor. They must work together to ensure the events leading to the wedding go smoothly.

To add another predicament to the story, Pia’s fortune is read by the wedding fortune teller, who tells her that she will meet her soulmate within five dates. Her family is all up in arms, determined to set her up on dates to find her true love. What follows after that is a series of hilariously bad dates — one set up by her father: a wealthy, spoiled businessman who wants a trophy wife next to him and another, set up by her mother, who seems to be a great catch until we find out he’s secretly in love with Pia’s mother. 

Adapted from the Australian romantic comedy Five Blind Dates, the film follows all the tropes and clichés of “Will they? Won’t they?” between Pia and Charlie and the charming gay best friend (Luke Fetherston) who tells it like it. It is hard to believe someone who looks like Ashley and Fiennes Tiffin would have trouble finding love, but this is a movie. Let’s pretend. But, despite their stunning looks, the chemistry between the two was a bit lacking. The friendship between Pia and Luke was more magnetic. Although it’s a romantic comedy, the story’s heart is Pia’s relationship with herself and her family. 

Determined to be a successful photographer like her grandmother, Pia wants to break away from the Indian traditions of marriage and focus on her own path in her career. Ashley plays this clumsy character wonderfully, breaking away from what Bridgerton fans typically see of the demure actress. Pia isn’t perfect — she may look it — but she’s going through so much internally, trying to figure her life out. She’s just like us!

Although the story doesn’t have to center on Pia’s Indian background, it’s successful in its storytelling because of her Indian culture, customs, and traditions. There’s something very fascinating about watching the blend of British and vibrant Indian culture and how this South Asian Brit is navigating between these two worlds — even if it’s not part of the story. The relationship between Pia and her divorced parents — a father who is worried about bringing his new white wife and the mother who ends up dating a younger man — is interesting. It breaks down societal expectations in a beautiful way. 

Also, South Asian weddings should be showcased more due to their grandeur and shown to the mainstream. The imagery at the photography studio, Pia’s subjects, and the beauty of Indian culture are just gorgeous. It adds another layer of cultural specificity that makes it memorable. Not to mention, the music (both Indian and contemporary pop) in the film is perfectly placed, adding more depth to the scenes.

Overall, Picture This follows the typical rom-com formula, but it’s still cute nonetheless. The couple may not meet everyone’s expectations, but you’re rooting for them because you’re rooting for the main lead. 

Rating: 3/5

Picture This premieres March 6 on Prime Video.