Bridgerton’s Simone Ashley has made her romantic-comedy debut in a new film now available on Amazon Prime Video.
Known for her role as Kate Sharma in the second and third seasons of Netflix’s Bridgerton, and also for Sex Education, Ashley has quickly become a fan favourite.
She now stars alongside Hero Fiennes Tiffin in Picture This, a fresh rom-com set to make hearts race this week.
In the film, Ashley plays Pia, a young woman who is told by a spiritual guru that she will meet her true love among her next five dates at her sister’s engagement party.
Under family pressure to find love, Pia encounters a series of potential partners, played by comedian Asim Chaudhry, Starstruck’s Nikesh Patel and Ted Lasso’s Phil Dunster, while avoiding her first love Charlie (played by Fiennes Tiffin).
Critics have labelled the film as typical rom-com material, but all agree that Ashley is a rising star due to her outstanding lead performance.
Screen Rant titled their review: “I Hope Simone Ashley Gets More Leading Roles After A Delightfully Compelling Turn.”
They further commented: “It doesn’t reinvent the rom-com wheel, but it makes for easy, pleasurable viewing. A lot of that is because of Simone Ashley’s vibrant starring turn.
“The Bridgerton star has successfully made the jump from period romance to the dysfunctional world of modern dating, and it’s a true delight to see her in a lead role.”
Variety has heaped praise on Ashley, branding her a “formidable leading lady”. Their critique went even further: “She’s delightfully charming and has plucky comic timing, making each pratfall work to her advantage.
“Her wavy hair and megawatt smile recall Julia Roberts in My Best Friend’s Wedding.”
Meanwhile, Newsweek commented on the on-screen partnership: “The chemistry between Fiennes Tiffin and Ashley is palpable, and they elevate each others’ performances tenfold.
“It is when they are both on the screen that the rom outweighs the com, and you get to soak in that movie magic that makes the genre so attractive.”
Digital Spy had its own accolades to give, labelling the film “refreshing” and encouraging viewers with the assertion that it’s “helmed by strong South Asian voices and a story well worth streaming tonight.”
With an impressive track record on Netflix, Ashley’s debut as a lead in cinema is undoubtedly a hit.
Her next project will see her in the sports drama F1, and one can’t help but speculate whether another major rom-com role is looming in her future.
In the interim, don’t miss out on Ashley’s captivating new feature available on Prime Video this week.
Picture This is available to stream on Prime Video.