The Buckingham Murders is a disappointing case of wasted potential that could’ve offered so much more than a predictable, slow-burn mystery with all the makings of a thriller. Streaming on Netflix, it marks a notable collaboration between director Hansal Mehta and lead actress-producer Kareena Kapoor Khan. Unfortunately, despite their combined star power, the film falls short of leaving any lasting impression, leaving you wondering what went wrong.
Kareena, who plays a mother, officer, investigator, and case solver, appears a little too self-aware in her performance—so much so that she fails to breathe life into a character that needed to be much more layered. Calm and composed, yes—but emotionally flat. She delivers her lines with precision but without conviction, never quite stepping into the role the way this multi-faceted character demands.
The film is set against the scenic yet somber backdrop of Buckinghamshire, blending English and Hindi to tell a story about immigrants and the complexities of their lives in an unfamiliar land. On paper, the premise is gripping—an intricate crime mystery laced with the immigrant experience. Yet, the film chooses to plod along at a pace that tests your patience rather than ignites any true intrigue. Sure, there’s a twist at the end, but by then, you’re too disengaged to care.
The film’s biggest flaw is how it misses the opportunity to explore its characters more deeply. A lack of development leaves the narrative feeling undercooked and, worse, predictable. Instead of being a compelling drama about identity, loss, and justice, it settles for being a generic crime-thriller that touches only the surface of its potential. More time spent on fleshing out the layers of the story could’ve transformed this from a decent attempt into something truly special.
Director Hansal Mehta, known for his knack for gritty, grounded narratives, doesn’t quite deliver here. The storytelling feels almost too clinical, as if it’s all being played too safe. The pacing, while deliberate, is more torturous than tense, leaving the audience yearning for more depth rather than waiting for something to happen.
Ultimately, The Buckingham Murders stands as a missed opportunity. The pieces are there—a strong lead, an engaging setting, and a story that could have been gripping—but they never quite come together. It’s a film that promises intrigue but delivers a hollow, forgettable experience. If only Mehta and Kapoor had taken more risks, allowed the story to breathe, and given the characters room to evolve. Instead, we’re left with an average.
Genres
Hindi-Language Movies, Bollywood Movies, Crime Movies, Drama Movies, Mystery Movies
Directed by Hansal Mehta
Cast: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Brar, Ash Tandon, Assad Raja, Prabhleen Sandhu, Keith Allen, Sarah-Jane Dias, Sanjeev Mehra, Adwoa Akoto, Zain Hussain
