MOVIEW REVIEW : The Buckingham Murders

 

The Buckingham Murders is a 2024 thriller directed by Hansal Mehta, featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan in the lead role, and marks her debut as a producer. The film is a departure from Kapoor's usual glamorous roles, offering her a chance to showcase a more subdued and intense performance in a moody, British crime setting.

Plot Overview:

The story revolves around Jasmeet Bhamra (played by Kareena Kapoor Khan), a detective grappling with personal trauma after the tragic loss of her young son. She moves to a quiet English town, hoping to rebuild her life. However, her attempt to find solace is disrupted when she is assigned to investigate the disappearance and suspected murder of a child. This case brings Jasmeet face-to-face with her own unresolved grief and emotional scars.

As the investigation unfolds, it turns into a hauntingly emotional journey for Jasmeet, blending the complexities of detective work with personal loss, emotional conflict, and guilt. The storyline pays homage to British crime dramas, particularly evoking the tone of shows like Broadchurch, with its slow-burn narrative and atmospheric tension.

Performances:

Kareena Kapoor Khan shines as Jasmeet, a role that requires restraint and introspection. Her portrayal of a mother in mourning is both compelling and emotionally charged. There’s a vulnerability in her performance that feels raw, bringing depth to the character’s internal struggle. Kapoor handles the complex emotional terrain with subtlety, avoiding melodrama in favor of a quiet but powerful portrayal of grief.

The supporting cast, featuring British actors, complements Kapoor’s performance, creating a believable small-town community where everyone hides their secrets. While their performances are solid, the film is undoubtedly a vehicle for Kapoor to prove her dramatic chops, and she succeeds.

Direction and Cinematography:

Hansal Mehta, known for his realistic, hard-hitting narratives (Shahid, Aligarh), brings a brooding, atmospheric touch to The Buckingham Murders. The film feels steeped in the tradition of British crime thrillers, with a keen focus on character development and psychological tension rather than fast-paced action. The chilly English landscape, captured beautifully by the cinematography, adds to the film’s mood, mirroring the protagonist's isolation and inner turmoil.

Mehta’s direction ensures that the film remains grounded, with a slow-burn pace that may not appeal to all audiences but is perfect for those who enjoy a more thoughtful, emotionally rich narrative. The atmosphere is thick with unease, and every scene is meticulously crafted to build tension.

Themes:

Grief, loss, and the lingering effects of trauma are central themes in The Buckingham Murders. The film examines how personal pain can affect professional responsibilities and how unresolved grief can manifest in unexpected ways. It’s as much a psychological drama as it is a crime thriller, with the murder mystery serving as a backdrop to a more profound exploration of human emotions.

The film also touches on motherhood and guilt, exploring how Jasmeet’s loss continues to shape her actions and decisions. There’s a clear parallel between her personal tragedy and the case she’s investigating, creating a layered narrative that goes beyond the typical crime thriller.

Final Verdict:

The Buckingham Murders is not a typical crime thriller. It’s a slow, introspective film that prioritizes character study over action. Kareena Kapoor Khan’s performance is the heart of the movie, and her portrayal of a mother dealing with loss is both heartbreaking and haunting. Hansal Mehta’s direction ensures that the film remains grounded, and the bleak, atmospheric cinematography further enhances the tone.

While the slow pace and lack of traditional suspense may not appeal to all viewers, those who appreciate character-driven narratives and psychological depth will find much to admire in The Buckingham Murders. It’s a well-crafted film that signals a new direction for Kareena Kapoor Khan as both an actress and a producer.