The story follows DS Jaspreet Bamra, who has recently requested a demotion. Shortly after, a young boy from the local community goes missing. Jaspreet is reluctantly assigned to the case, one she feels unprepared to handle. But why does she hesitate? As the investigation unfolds, the reasons behind her reluctance become clearer, and the search for the missing boy takes her on a journey to confront both the mystery at hand and her own inner struggles.
Spoilers Ahead
The Buckingham Murders (2024) Plot Summary & Movie Synopsis:
“The Buckingham Murders” opens with Jaspreet waiting outside the courthouse, lost in memories of her son, Ekam. Ekam was tragically killed during a mass shooting. Now his killer, James Thomas, is on trial. James confesses that a traumatic childhood drove him to a point of desperation, leading him to open fire on innocent bystanders. Despite his painful past, the jury focuses on the lives lost, including that of Ekam, and chooses not to excuse James’s actions based on his history.
After the sentencing, Jaspreet, overwhelmed with grief and anger, punches James outside the court, disregarding his apologies. During the trial, James even admitted to remembering Ekam’s face, which only deepens Jaspreet’s pain. Soon after, Jaspreet’s request for a transfer to Buckinghamshire is approved. Seeking a fresh start, she hopes that immersing herself in her work will help her escape her son’s memories.
What does DI Patel Find in the Park?
Shortly after joining the force, Jaspreet learns of a missing local boy and is assigned to assist the lead investigator, DI Hardik Patel. Initially, Jaspreet hesitates, admitting she cannot bear the emotional weight of another teenager’s death. However, duty compels her to join the investigation, though she and Hardik clash from the start. Jaspreet senses that Hardik feels insecure around her, leading him to constantly undermine her opinions.
They begin by interviewing the boy’s adoptive parents, Daljeet and Preeti Kohli. Jaspreet learns that the missing boy, Ishpreet, was adopted by the couple. When CCTV footage surfaces, it reveals Ishpreet heading to a nearby park, prompting the investigation team to search the area overnight. Despite their efforts, no clues emerge by morning. Hardik, now somewhat remorseful for his earlier conduct, apologizes to Jaspreet and suggests that she rest. The next morning, Hardik makes a grim discovery. Ishpreet’s body is found inside a parked car. Forensic analysis confirms that Ishpreet died from drowning, and further reveals two distinct DNA profiles on his body, indicating he may have struggled with someone before his death.
Why is Hardik Trying to Frame Saquib?
During the investigation, it becomes clear that there was a spat between Daljeet and Saleem. They used to be business partners but since the time they broke their partnership, they always find a way to brawl with one another. The police start their investigation from that angle and find the car was registered by Akram, a relative of Saleem. The police bring in Akram for questioning and learn that his nephew Saquib was driving the car that day. Saquib is seen driving the car inside the park as well.
Saquib has a history of drug abuse and Hardik’s sister, Lyle almost died because of it. Lyle suffered from substance abuse disorder and for some reason, she tried to kill herself. From that time, Hardik always tried to find a way to put Saquib behind bars. Now, he has all the time in the world and the evidence to do it gradually. Hardik brings Saquib for questioning along with Naved, his friend who was with him that day. Although Saquib doesn’t comply with Hardik, Naved confesses that Saquib killed Ishpreet. This makes Hardik glad since there is enough evidence now to put Saquib in prison for a long time. However, Jaspreet finds something absurd in Naved’s version of the story.
What does Jaspreet Learn from Saquib?
Unable to piece together the full truth behind Ishpreet’s murder, Jaspreet fails to locate his bag and grows desperate. She pleads with Saquib to confess, fearing that tensions are escalating toward a communal clash. Already, Saquib’s household has been attacked following the police confirmation of his involvement in Ishpreet’s death. Saquib is in tears as he reveals that he and Naved went to the park that day to pick up drugs from their dealer. To their shock, Ishpreet delivered the drugs to them, unaware he had been manipulated into doing so.
When Naved realizes he’s short on money, Ishpreet asks for the drugs back, leading to a heated argument. Saquib, who sees Ishpreet as a brother, becomes enraged, unable to accept Ishpreet’s involvement with drugs. In a moment of frustration, he pushes Ishpreet’s head underwater. Shortly after, he lets him go, assuming everything is fine. But as Saquib and Naved swam in the lake, they discovered Ishpreet’s lifeless body, sending Naved into a panic that caused him to flee.
Desperate to save Ishpreet, Saquib tries to get him to the hospital, but it’s too late, and without the car keys, he leaves Ishpreet’s body behind and runs. Convinced that Hardik orchestrated the entire situation to frame Saquib, Jaspreet tracks down Naved for answers. Naved secretly contacts Hardik, warning him that Jaspreet suspects foul play. Eventually, Hardik is caught in the act, attempting to kill Naved. Overcome with shame, Hardik shoots himself, while his accomplice Simon confesses that Hardik found Ishpreet’s body and planted it in the car with Simon’s help to permanently incriminate Saquib.
The Buckingham Murders (2024) Movie Ending Explained:
What Does Jaspreet Find About Preeti?
The only remaining task now was to find Ishpreet’s killer. Bigger twists take place this time around as Hansal Mehta delves into the much darker psychological aspects. Grief is a complex emotion, and everyone experiences it differently. For some, like Jaspreet, the way to cope is to avoid thinking about it. Yet, they fail to realize that true relief from grief only comes by confronting it.
For others, grief is intertwined with revenge, like Hardik, who went to great lengths to ruin Saquib’s life as retribution for what happened to Lyle. Then, there’s an even darker response to grief. How does one react when, like James, they feel rejected and unheard? When one’s desires and dreams are dismissed, and isolation pushes them into obscurity, grief can become so personal it’s impossible to share, even with oneself.
And now, we meet Preeti Kohli.
Knowing that Daljeet may have a violent streak, Jaspreet suspects him and interrogates him, but finds no concrete evidence to charge him with Ishpreet’s murder. However, days later, Daljeet is arrested for the brutal murder of Prithvi. Daljeet had caught Prithvi attempting to assault Preeti, and in a fit of rage, he killed him. Jaspreet also questions Indrani, who is rumored to be having an affair with Daljeet. During the questioning, Jaspreet discovers that Preeti may not be as innocent as she appears.
Soon after, forensic experts identify a second DNA match. The first belonged to Saquib, but shockingly, the second match was Prithvi’s. A search of Prithvi’s house reveals Ishpreet’s school bag, drugs, and a phone. By tracking the contacts on this phone, they discover that Preeti had been in touch with him. Jaspreet realizes that Preeti is involved in Ishpreet’s murder. In a chilling confession, Jaspreet learns that Preeti, out of resentment for Daljeet’s love for Ishpreet, killed their adopted son solely to make Daljeet suffer.
Why Did Preeti Resort to Such Extreme Measures?
In her household, Preeti is never consulted, even in crucial decisions like adopting Ishpreet. Daljeet’s neglect and dismissive attitude leave her feeling invisible and insignificant. She begins to see Ishpreet not as a son, but as a reminder of her own lack of importance. In her eyes, Ishpreet symbolizes Daljeet’s authority, which reinforces her feelings of helplessness. Killing Ishpreet becomes her way of asserting control and forcing Daljeet to experience the same powerlessness and pain she endures daily.
Preeti’s relationship with Prithvi, who develops an attachment to her, offers her an opportunity to wield influence over someone for the first time. Sensing his infatuation, she manipulates Prithvi into carrying out her dark plan, asking him to drown Ishpreet to fulfill her desire for revenge against Daljeet. Her manipulation is calculative, exploiting Prithvi’s emotions to orchestrate the murder without directly involving herself, thus avoiding immediate suspicion.
Could Compassion Have Prevented the Tragedy?
She believes that killing Ishpreet will finally get Daljeet’s attention, forcing him to recognize her presence; even if through suffering. When Daljeet learns the truth, he bitterly regrets not killing Preeti earlier, realizing that doing so might have saved Ishpreet’s life. Frustrated by his lack of self-awareness, Jaspreet slaps him. In many ways, Daljeet’s grief mirrors Hardik’s. They both fail to recognize the true root of their pain. Hardik, who lost Lyle to drugs, could have intervened sooner. Similarly, Daljeet could have treated Preeti with kindness, showing her the affection and respect she needed. Perhaps if Daljeet had valued Preeti, she would have become a loving wife and mother, rather than someone driven by resentment.
Instead of acknowledging the origins of their own failings, people often seek an easy target for blame. Grief is complex and challenging. It ultimately falls on each individual to decide how they will confront it. At the end of the film, we see Jaspreet’s father taking care of Lyle. Jaspreet is seen burning Ekam’s blood-soaked cloth, trying to move on from the past with a glimmer of hope tinged with resentment for an uncertain future.
