Movie Review: The Buckingham Murders
Director: Hansal Mehta
Cast: Kareena KapoorRating: 4.5/5
Hansal Mehta’s The Buckingham Murders is nothing short of a masterpiece, skillfully blending emotional depth with a gripping murder mystery, all while shining a light on nuanced social commentary. With this film, Mehta delivers an intense, emotionally rich narrative that hits all the right notes, making it a near-perfect movie. Anchored by Kareena Kapoor’s stellar performance, The Buckingham Murders offers a refreshing take on the traditional murder mystery genre and emerges as a thought-provoking reflection on loss, identity, and belonging.
A Story Rooted in Emotion and Intrigue
At its heart, The Buckingham Murders follows Jasmeet Bhamra aka Jass (Kareena Kapoor), a detective escaping the haunting memories of her child’s tragic death by transferring to a quieter post in Buckinghamshire. But the calm she seeks remains elusive as she is thrust into the middle of a missing child case on her very first day. As she navigates her grief, the communal tensions rising in the town, and her strained professional dynamics, Jass embarks on a mission to uncover the truth, with the investigation unraveling slowly and intensely.
The film’s brilliance lies not only in its thrilling mystery but in its exploration of complex, multi-layered themes. From the immigrant experience in Buckinghamshire to deeply rooted biases, Mehta ensures that every subplot adds to the overall texture of the narrative. The nuanced portrayal of the Sikh and Muslim communities within the diaspora is both thought-provoking and sensitively handled, providing a strong commentary on identity and belonging. The Buckingham Murders isn’t just about solving a crime—it’s about understanding the human condition under pressure, grief, and societal expectations.
A Perfect Blend of Mystery and Social Commentary
Hansal Mehta is known for creating realistic and socially relevant cinema, and The Buckingham Murders is no different. This is not your average whodunit thriller. The film delves into a variety of socio-political themes without ever feeling preachy. The communal tension between Sikhs and Muslims, the struggles of immigrants, gender inequality, drug trafficking, and the challenges faced by the queer community all make an appearance in the narrative, woven together seamlessly to create a gripping and thoughtful storyline.
While other films might struggle to balance so many themes, Mehta expertly uses them to enhance the core mystery, making the audience think deeply even as they are drawn into the story. The communal tension, for instance, adds a layer of complexity to the investigation, as biases and prejudices cloud judgments. The director and the writing team—Aseem Arrora, Raghav Raj Kakker, and Kashyap Kapoor—deserve immense praise for pulling off this intricate balancing act. Their screenplay keeps the audience engaged and leaves them with a lot to ponder even after the credits roll.
Kareena Kapoor’s Career-Defining Performance
Kareena Kapoor shines like never before in The Buckingham Murders, delivering a career-defining performance that deserves applause. She effortlessly brings out the pain, vulnerability, and quiet strength of Jass, portraying her grief in such a raw, palpable way that the audience cannot help but empathize with her. Kapoor’s portrayal of a mother struggling with personal loss while trying to solve a harrowing case is deeply moving. She says so much with her silences, her eyes often doing the talking.
What sets Kareena’s performance apart is her ability to seamlessly transition between moments of vulnerability and fierce determination. In particular, her interrogation scenes stand out, where her character’s fierce pursuit of the truth is both intense and riveting. Her portrayal of grief is subtle but devastating, especially as we see her mourning her lost child in brief flashbacks. Mehta wisely captures these moments, showing a noticeable change in Jass’s appearance, highlighting how her inner turmoil manifests outwardly.
The supporting cast, led by Keith Allen and Ranveer Brar, provides strong backing to Kareena’s performance. Allen, in particular, excels as Jazz’s no-nonsense superior, while Brar surprises with his intense portrayal of Daljiet. Each actor contributes to the film’s layered atmosphere, helping to build an ensemble that grounds the story in realism.
Technically Impeccable
From a technical standpoint, The Buckingham Murders is impeccable. Hansal Mehta’s direction is taut, ensuring that even in moments where the pace slows, the audience remains hooked. The cinematography, capturing the grim yet beautiful landscapes of Buckinghamshire, adds a haunting quality to the murder investigation. The dark, overcast skies mirror the emotional weight of the story, enhancing the film’s atmosphere.
The editing by Amitesh Mukherjee is sharp, making the 114-minute runtime feel brisk without sacrificing any of the story’s emotional depth. The decision to limit the use of background score further adds to the realism, letting the natural soundscape and silences heighten the tension.
Final Thoughts: A Near-Perfect Thriller
The Buckingham Murders stands out as a nearly perfect film, thanks to Hansal Mehta’s direction and Kareena Kapoor’s exceptional performance. It is a deeply layered, socially relevant thriller that does more than just entertain—it challenges the audience to reflect on issues of identity, grief, and community. While some might argue that a few subplots could have been explored more deeply, the film’s ability to tie everything together by the end is commendable.
Mehta’s masterful storytelling and the film’s emotional depth make The Buckingham Murders a must-watch. With a near-perfect blend of social commentary, engaging performances, and a gripping murder mystery, this film sets a new benchmark for thrillers. The Buckingham Murders is undoubtedly one of the most engaging and thoughtful films of the year.
Rating: 4.5/5
