The Buckingham Murders Movie Review: A Slow-Burn Police Procedural-Crime Drama

Storyline: The story revolves around sergeant Jasmeet ‘Jass’ Bhamra (played by Kareena) grieving the loss of her young son Ekam (Mairaaj Kakkar). She is assigned a case of a missing boy, Ishpreet, roughly as old as Ekam, and she refuses to take it on initially. Reminded that work is work, she begins to investigate. Daljeet Kohli (Ranveer Brar) and Preeti Kohli (Prabhleen Kaur), the parents of Ishpreet have a dead marriage. As the investigation deepens after Ishpreet is found dead, new angles unfold, leading us towards a finale which though not shocking, is impactful. 

Review: The Buckingham Murders, directed by Hansal Mehta, is a slow-burn police procedural-crime drama led by Kareena Kapoor Khan, portraying Jas, a 40-something detective grappling with personal loss while investigating the disappearance of a young Sikh boy in a British town. The film follows a familiar formula from successful British crime dramas like Happy Valley and Broadchurch, but it aims to explore deeper themes like grief, religious tensions, and communal discord among immigrants.

The strength of the film lies in its atmospheric silence and darkness, as well as its exploration of Jas' unresolved grief and repressed anger. Kareena Kapoor Khan shines in her role, delivering a subtle and nuanced performance as a mother haunted by her past. Her character’s reluctance to address her trauma, while immersing herself in the investigation, adds emotional weight to the film. A particularly poignant scene between Jas and her father stands out, showcasing the depth of her internal struggle.

However, while the film captures the emotional undertones effectively, it falters in maintaining the tension and nervous energy expected in a crime thriller. The narrative feels bleak and stagnant at times, with the murder investigation overshadowed by broader political and social commentary. This creates a slower pace and less gripping experience, though it still offers compelling plot twists and an unexpected resolution.

The Buckingham Murders may not deliver the edge-of-your-seat thrills typical of the genre, but it succeeds as a character study of grief and isolation. Kareena's transformation into a de-glam, understated detective is a refreshing change for her, and her performance adds depth to the film. The supporting cast, including Chef Ranveer Brar and Ash Tandon, also contribute well to the story.

Overall, if you’re looking for a crime drama that delves into the psychological rather than relying on pure thrills, The Buckingham Murders is worth a watch, even if it lacks the chilling build-up that might have made it more captivating.