OS ASSASSINATOS DE BUCKINGHAM

This is an example of a movie where the actors, the director - pretty much everyone else does a good job. But the script is so underwhelming, and dare I say, so out of place, that it just single handedly pulls the movie down.

Without going into any spoilers, the biggest problem with the script is that the script writer doesn't seem to grasp that there's something as 'too many twists'.

Towards the end of the second half of the movie, there's a major 'twist' once every 5 or 10 minutes. A lot of them just feels so forced just for a presumed shock value and completely destroys the momentum of the money.

Also, a lot of characters have extremely flimsy motivations behind their actions. Some don't even make any logical sense. And some, might make sense but the story doesn't do enough to make us really care about it.

I am a big fan of crime thrillers, arguably my favorite genre in cinema.

But this isn't it. A fast forward watch at best when it comes out on OTTs. Low average.

The Buckingham Murders has a strong plot and an intriguing storyline that pulls you in from the start. It weaves a suspenseful narrative that keeps you hooked until the end. The cast delivers commendable performances, and the film shows high production quality. However, it's difficult not to notice a recurring trope in Bollywood: the inclusion of religious tension, specifically between Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh communities. This time, the addition of these elements felt forced and detracted from an otherwise solid thriller.

It's understandable that art sometimes reflects social realities, but in The Buckingham Murders, the handling of these themes felt stereotypical and added unnecessary weight to the story. The portrayal of certain groups, particularly in a negative light, came across as a cliché, diminishing the film's uniqueness and seeming like a repetitive, almost predictable approach seen in other Indian movies. This kind of treatment might appeal to some audiences but for others, it can feel heavy-handed and repetitive.

If the film had focused solely on the mystery at its core, it could have been a remarkable addition to the thriller genre. Instead, the attempt to add layers of religious and communal strife ends up detracting from the narrative. This movie would have stood stronger without these added stereotypes, which risk overshadowing the well-executed plot and skillful acting.

Bollywood's 'Mare of Easttown'.....? Not sure if that's high praise on this film or that's an unfair comparison, but if you're into the mood for a crime thriller, you might want to check this out.

Kareena and the support cast do a good job. The film is well shot, the color correction stood out for the amount of green in the film. The plot - you can tell that they tried hard to subvert; you know the most obvious person with the motive isn't the real bad guy and that the predictable part in this film. You know someone else will eventually be the focus, and that takes (at least took away for me) the viewing experience, but you may feel otherwise and actually enjoy the film more.

Will recommend for a one-time watch regardless, if you like the crime thriller genre.

The Buckingham Murders is more of an investigation drama than a gripping thriller. Despite having the potential to deeply explore the immigrant experience in the UK, it barely scratches the surface, settling instead for a typical web series formula and superficial emotional arcs. The immigrant community's struggles and conflicts remain unaddressed, missing a major opportunity to add depth to the story.

The film suffers from predictable, even amateurish twists, and many scenes fall into cliched territory. Characters' backstories feel underdeveloped, leaving the viewer with little attachment or insight into their motivations. While Kareena Kapoor and the rest of the cast deliver strong performances, they're unfortunately the film's only saving grace.

In the end, The Buckingham Murders is a below-average investigation drama that fails to do justice to its themes.

It was an average movie. Too many plot twists within a limited time frame of one hour and fifty minutes, which did not allow sufficient time for character development. As a result, the reveals appeared rushed and slightly unconvincing.

Kareena played the role of a UK cop to the best of her abilities, however, if you're going to play that role, you need to understand how a second-generation British-Indian police officer walks, talks and behaves. And if she's going to stick to this genre of whodunnits or thrillers, she's going to have to learn how to run without looking like the female version of Forrest Gump.