The Buckingham Murders review: Kareena shines in Hansal Mehta’s gripping thriller

Kareena Kapoor starrer The Buckingham Murders Full Movie Review & Ratings: The Buckingham Murders, a 2024 release directed by Hansal Mehta, stars Kareena Kapoor in a deeply emotional role, exploring grief through a tense crime drama.

The Buckingham Murders Full Movie Review and Ratings

Mumbai: The Buckingham Murders, directed by Hansal Mehta, plunges viewers into a tense and atmospheric crime thriller that doubles as a profound exploration of grief, trauma, and emotional closure. Set against the backdrop of High Wycombe, England, the film follows Detective Jaspreet Bhamra (Kareena Kapoor Khan) as she navigates both the case of a missing child and her unresolved personal tragedy. The plot masterfully balances the weight of Jaspreet’s internal conflict with the intensity of a murder investigation that keeps viewers guessing until the very end.

Kareena delivers what could be one of the most nuanced performances of her career. Her portrayal of Jaspreet is deeply restrained yet emotionally devastating, a far cry from the glamorous roles she is often associated with. The pain of a mother grieving her own lost child is etched in her every gesture and expression, culminating in scenes where her silence speaks louder than words. The haunting image of her son’s blood-stained shirt serves as a constant reminder of her emotional wounds, and Kareena’s ability to embody such silent suffering is truly remarkable.

Hansal Mehta’s direction complements Kareena’s performance by opting for subtlety over spectacle. The film’s deliberate pacing, coupled with an understated score, creates an authentic atmosphere of tension and grief. A standout scene between Jaspreet and her onscreen father, set in a serene park, provides a moment of quiet reflection on her unresolved trauma. The dialogue is sparse but potent, allowing the emotional depth to simmer beneath the surface—an approach that feels refreshingly real in a genre often dominated by melodrama.

However, the film’s slow-burn approach to storytelling does risk alienating some viewers. The heavy use of silence, particularly in the first act, might leave audiences yearning for more dynamic emotional beats. Additionally, while Kareena’s performance is commendable, her character’s lack of a UK accent stands out from the rest of the cast. This small detail slightly detracts from the authenticity of her role, though it does not overshadow the emotional depth she brings to the screen.

The supporting cast delivers good performances, with Ash Tandon and Prabhleen Sandhu standing out despite their limited screen time. Ranveer Brar, on the other hand, feels miscast as a father grappling with his son’s loss. His portrayal lacks the emotional intensity that the role demands, leaving a key character relationship somewhat underdeveloped.

The Buckingham Murders also touches on several socio-political themes, including misogyny, religious tensions, and the stigma around homosexuality. While these elements add richness to the story, they are often introduced too briefly, leaving the audience wanting more. The complexity of these issues could have benefited from deeper exploration, particularly as the film feels overstuffed with narrative threads that are never fully resolved. A limited series format might have been a better choice to fully flesh out the relationships and cultural dynamics at play.

The film’s conclusion, unfortunately, feels rushed. The climactic reveal, in which the motive behind the child’s murder is uncovered, lacks depth and leaves several questions unanswered. Wrapping up such a complex investigation in just 2-3 dialogues feels unsatisfying, and viewers may find themselves confused by the abruptness of the resolution.

Despite these flaws, The Buckingham Murders leaves a lasting emotional impact. The parallel storylines of Jaspreet, a mother mourning her lost child, and another character who views her adopted child as a burden, provide a powerful contrast that resonates long after the credits roll. This exploration of motherhood, grief, and the search for closure is where the film truly excels.

Verdict: While The Buckingham Murders is not without its flaws, it remains an evocative and emotionally charged crime drama. Hansal Mehta’s understated direction, combined with Kareena Kapoor Khan’s deeply affecting performance, creates a film that lingers in the mind. Though certain plot points feel rushed or underdeveloped, the film’s exploration of trauma and motherhood will resonate with many. A solid 3-star experience.

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