Kingston Movie Review – A Sea Monster Film That Drowns in Its Own Confusion

Introduction: A Genre-Bending Horror That Misses the Mark

Kamal Prakash’s Kingston arrives with an intriguing premise—a fishing village cursed by sea monsters, mysterious backstories, and a haunted treasure. But what could have been a thrilling creature-feature is quickly lost in a sea of over-explanation, poor narrative choices, and forced plot twists. The film overpromises and underdelivers, leaving the audience puzzled rather than scared.

Plot Overview: Monsters, Ghosts, and Too Many Subplots

The story begins in a coastal village whose livelihood is shattered by a supernatural curse. The villagers are unable to fish due to a supposed monster lurking beneath the sea. Enter GV Prakash Kumar’s character—a money-minded hero who dives into the chaos, surrounded by a mix of half-baked characters: a don ruling over Thoothukudi, a village elder with secrets, a cursed treasure, a blessed bloodline, and a confused kid trying to redeem his father’s honor.

But instead of tension or intrigue, Kingston quickly spirals into a tangled mess. Characters deliver expository monologues at every turn, flashbacks interrupt the story constantly, and the horror feels more like a checklist of clichés than a genuine experience.

Sea Monsters or Just Another Ghost Story?

Despite marketing itself as a “sea monster horror,” Kingston betrays its genre in the third act. The ‘monsters’ teased throughout the film are reduced to people in clumsy makeup, while the real villain turns out to be a greedy ghost. What’s worse, this twist is justified through a bizarre explanation involving cursed gold, melted metal, and a coffin tossed into the ocean.

Rather than feeling clever, the narrative feels like it’s trying too hard to surprise us. The plot doesn’t build suspense—it builds confusion. And when you’re left asking “why?” at every turn—not out of curiosity, but out of frustration—you know the storytelling has gone astray.

Performances & Direction: Good Intentions, Weak Execution

GV Prakash Kumar attempts to bring flair to a role that lacks emotional grounding. His ‘devil-may-care’ attitude doesn’t land, because the script gives him no room to grow. Divyabharathi and the rest of the cast are serviceable, but they’re buried under the weight of convoluted writing.

Director Kamal Prakash does show flashes of ambition—especially in trying to draw inspiration from classics like Jaws and Jurassic Park by keeping the monsters hidden until the end. Unfortunately, the payoff is disappointing, making the wait feel like a bait-and-switch.

Technical Aspects: A Silver Lining in the Chaos

Technically, Kingston isn’t entirely without merit. The cinematography and production values are decent, and there’s an attempt to create atmosphere. However, the film suffers from poor sound mixing, which further derails the viewing experience. The editing fails to maintain rhythm, especially with the constant interruptions from unnecessary flashbacks.

Final Verdict: A Genre Experiment Gone Wrong

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1.5/5)

Kingston had the bones of a fun horror-thriller but chose to burden itself with layers of convoluted storytelling. Instead of delivering a satisfying creature feature, it ends up as a half-baked supernatural drama that confuses more than it entertains.

If you’re looking for India’s breakout sea monster film, this isn’t it. At best, Kingston serves as a cautionary tale of what happens when too many ideas drown out a simple, potentially effective narrative.