Simone Ashley’s new rom-com role inPicture Thisis unlikeBridgerton’s Kathani Sharma despite sharing a fascinating similarity.Amazonreleased the trailer for theirnew romantic comedy starring Simone Ashley and Hero Fiennes Tiffin. This movie is particularly exciting for Ashley—it is an excellent opportunity to enter the romantic comedy genre, and it is inspiring to see Ashley’s passion for this project. Generally, romantic comedies have hit a stump despite some greatrecent rom-coms in the last five years. Prime Video’sPicture Thiscould turn this genre around and pushrom-coms into another Golden Age.
Although Simone Ashley skyrocketed to stardom with her role asKate Sharma inBridgerton, she has had significant roles in other shows, including Olivia Hanan inSex Educationand Dana inBroadchurch. SinceBridgertonseason 2, Simone Ashley has expanded her filmography to include Disney’s live-action remake ofThe Little Mermaidand the animated film10 Lives. In the future, Ashley will also appear inF1andThis Tempting Madness. However, her next movie,Picture This, will debut on Amazon Prime Video on August 16, 2025.
Simone Ashley Stars As Pia In Prime Video’s Picture This
Pia Looks For A Wedding Date In Prime Video’s Picture This
Picture Thisis a romantic comedy written by Nikita Lalwani and directed by Prarthana Mohan. The movie revolves around Simone Ashley’s character, Pia, a photographer who seems to be uninterested in romance—despite her mother’s attempts—until a spiritual guru tells her at her sister’s engagement party thatshe will meet the love of her life on the next five dates she has(viaDigital Spy). Then, Pia’s sister suggests that her family arrange three dates, and whoever Pia likes the most will attend her sister’s wedding as Pia’s date.
Of course, things become complicated for Pia because her ex-boyfriend and first love, Charlie—portrayed by Hero Fiennes Tiffin—walks back into her life. AlthoughPicture Thishas intriguing romance, the trailer suggests thatthe film’s biggest strength will lie with Pia’s character development and family dynamics, providing the perfect balance of romance and comedy.Picture Thisalso stars Luke Fetherston, Sindhu Vee, Phil Dunster, Nikesh Patel, and Anoushka Chadha.Picture This' trailer also features comedic moments, heartwarming scenes, and electrifying chemistry between Ashley and Fiennes Tiffin.
Pia & Kate’s Families Play Important Roles In Their Lives
Both Pia & Kate’s Families Help Shape Pia’s Character
It will be fun to see Simone Ashley portray the carefree Pia, a notable contrast fromBridgerton’s Kate Sharma. Despite the differences between Pia and Kate, one similarity stands out—the significant role their families play in their lives. Although Pia’s family and Kate’s family could not be more different, they are both critical to Pia’s and Kate’s characters. Pia’s mother and sister worry about Pia and her refusal to settle down.Picture This' trailer featuresPia’s mother and sister as a meddlesome and comedic pair desperate for Pia to find true love.
Bridgerton: How The Show Improves Kate Sharma’s Character From The Books
Simone Ashley’s Bridgerton character Kate Sharma is quite different than her book counterpart, and the show’s changes made the character better.
On the flip side,Bridgerton’s Sharma familyfeatures more dramatic and complicated dynamics. The Sharmas have little money left and heavily rely on Edwina’s dowry to provide—but Edwina only receives that dowry from Mary Sharma’s parents if she marries well. Kate bears this burden while raising Edwina to be the ultimate “diamond” so that Edwina will have a chance to find true love. Whereas Pia’s family likes to meddle in Pia’s love life,Mary and Edwina are unaware of Kate’s developing feelings for Anthony or Kate’s desires. Despite these differences, Pia’s and Kate’s families still play important roles.
Besides Their Shared Family Characteristic, Pia & Kate Are Very Different
Picture This' Pia Contrasts Bridgerton’s Kate Sharma
With the exception of the importance of their families, Pia and Kate could not be more different. Although little is known about Pia, the trailer suggests she is carefree, confident, and independent. While Kate is also independent, she demonstrates an exceptional level of selflessness because of her less-than-fortunate circumstances.Pia is unafraid to go after what she desires in life—a great contrast to Kate,who never puts herself first because she feels her family is her responsibility.Bridgertonillustrates the lengths Kate would go to for her mother and sister, regardless of her own feelings.
[Simone Ashley] can portray a selfless sister who prioritizes her brain over her heart and a carefree photographer who allows her heart to guide her through life.
It is unknown how Pia will demonstrate her familial love, but it will likely manifest differently because of Pia and Kate’s vastly different circumstances.Despite their different approaches in life, Kate and Pia achieve their own happy endings. It is a testament to Simone Ashley’s acting versatility. She can portray a selfless sister who prioritizes her brain over her heart and a carefree photographer who allows her heart to guide her through life.Picture Thisseems like a new, exciting rom-com and a great next step in Simone Ashley’s career—an ideal break fromBridgerton.
