Simone Ashley, the 29-year-old actress best known for her roles in Bridgerton and Sex Education, has always been proud to identify as a "hopeless romantic." Now, she brings this sentiment to life through her latest endeavor, the rom-com film Picture This, released on March 6, 2025, and available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
During her recent interview with PEOPLE, Ashley expressed her love for classic '90s rom-coms, mentioning iconic titles such as My Best Friend's Wedding, The Other Woman, 10 Things I Hate About You, Bend It Like Beckham, and Bridget Jones. "I loved all those '90s classic rom-coms: anything with Julia Roberts. Of course, I'm such a hopeless romantic," she declared, clearly illustrating her deep-rooted affection for the genre.
For Ashley, these films represent more than just entertainment; they provide comfort and cultivate hope. "I think rom-coms allow people to have the space where you believe in the idea of love being possible. That's how I feel when I watch them. So to be part of this genre was really exciting for me," she shared.
Stepping beyond her role as the lead character Pia, who navigates five dates arranged by friends and family, Ashley took on the significant responsibility of producing Picture This. She emphasized the joy and challenge of the experience, noting, "It was also super fun. I think each project requires different focus and attention. It's been such an amazing learning experience."
Simone Ashley is particularly passionate about championing self-love and confidence among young women. Reflecting on her personal philosophy, she stated, "I love being tall. I love my body. I love the skin I'm in. So, I just try to set an example for girls to feel positive and confident," aiming to inspire others with her message.
Her mother, who watched the film, added another layer of pride to Ashley's achievement. "She was like, 'It's like a real movie.' And I was like, 'Yes, mum.' I think when she heard I produced it, she imagined it would be stop motion or something you made when you were 13 years old," Ashley recalled with humor. The wistful notion of her mother’s low expectations adding to her success encapsulates the heartfelt nature of Ashley’s project.
Each element of Ashley's endeavor reflects not only her dedication to the art of filmmaking but also her commitment to sharing positive narratives, especially those surrounding love and self-acceptance. While the character of Pia explores the intricacies of dating and relationships, Ashley's production ethos encourages audiences not to lose faith in finding love.
At 29, Simone Ashley's artistic and personal journeys continue to evolve. From her roots as the daughter of Tamil parents born and raised in England to her emergence as a prominent figure within the entertainment industry, she embodies the passionate spirit of both her heritage and her newfound voice as a leading actress and producer.
'Picture This' is not just another film; it’s Ashley's heartfelt contribution to the rom-com genre, aimed at uplifting viewers and challenging societal perceptions of love and confidence. The film offers viewers hope, entertainment, and the message to believe in themselves, urging young women to embrace their true selves.
So, as viewers sit down to enjoy Picture This, they can expect more than just laughter and romance—they will experience the reflection of Simone Ashley's passion and advocacy for positivity, love, and confidence reshaping modern narratives around romance.