Few television shows have left as powerful a cultural imprint as Peaky Blinders, and Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man arrives with the enormous task of translating that legacy to the big screen. Fortunately, the film rises to the challenge and delivers a continuation that feels both cinematic and emotionally satisfying. Cillian Murphy returns as Tommy Shelby with another dark chapter in this epic gangster saga. Steven Knight penned the script, with Tom Harper directing.
The movie wastes no time pulling us back into the brooding atmosphere of Birmingham’s most infamous gangster dynasty. This chapter is set during WWII, and we have the gritty, smoggy streets of Small Heath, with the industrial backdrop, and you can feel the lingering presence of gangs and gunpowder in the frames. Right from the start, there’s a sense that this is a grand, carefully crafted story that in many ways acts as a finale for Tommy Shelby’s story.
There are a lot of narratives to uncover here, starting with the direction. A big reason the film works is the return of Tom Harper, who directed the back half of the show’s first season and now returns to helm the movie. Harper brings the same atmospheric confidence that made those early episodes memorable, delivering a film that feels visually expansive and tonally consistent with the series. After the misfire of Heart of Stone, this project marks a welcome return to form for him.
Then there is our star Cillian Murphy, who could have easily done anything he wanted after winning an Oscar for Oppenheimer, but chose to return to one of his most iconic roles. That decision pays off immensely. Murphy once again embodies Tommy Shelby with hypnotic intensity, reminding audiences why the character became such a defining figure in modern television.
The title The Immortal Man might sound revealing, but it serves more as thematic symbolism than a literal spoiler. The filmmakers use it to reinforce the myth surrounding Tommy Shelby — a man who has endured unimaginable loss yet continues to survive. The story unfolds through multiple narrative threads, gradually peeling back layers of grief, guilt, and unresolved trauma.
This is not a film driven by humor or flashy gangster bravado. It leans heavily into psychological exploration, creating a slow-burning narrative that feels dark, emotional, and surprisingly profound. There isn’t a great deal of action, but the scale of the storytelling still feels epic. There is heavy exploration of grief, loss, and guilt, especially in the first act. This helps understand the state of Tommy’s mental condition and all the demons he’s been dealing with.
Visually, the film looks stunning. Harper fills the screen with grand, cinematic shots that elevate the world of Peaky Blinders beyond its television roots. The production design and cinematography capture both the grit and grandeur of the era, while the visual effects — though used sparingly — are mostly effective. The soundtrack is another major highlight. As always, the soundtrack is a banger, and the unique positioning of Red Right Hand lands with powerful nostalgic impact. Fans will also appreciate several carefully staged callbacks and visual references that function as satisfying fan service without feeling overly forced.
The ensemble cast remains strong across the board. Barry Keoghan has the best role on paper, though his character might have benefited from more narrative buildup. Rebecca Ferguson adds a mysterious yet welcome presence to the story. Meanwhile, Tim Roth plays a villain who, unfortunately, feels somewhat one-dimensional, lacking the complexity that the show’s antagonists often had. Stephen Graham and Sophie Rundle support well.
Longtime fans may also feel the absence of certain characters, and there’s one particular figure whose non-appearance feels like a missed opportunity. This particular character would fit perfectly in the story being told, but for some reason, the creators chose not to add them. Still, the film succeeds where it matters most — delivering a majestic sendoff for Tommy Shelby. Another welcome development is Netflix continuing its strategy of giving major films a theatrical release, even if limited. It’s a decision that makes sense here because The Immortal Man genuinely deserves to be experienced on the big screen.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is an epic, bleak, and psychologically rich chapter in the iconic gangster saga that expands the world of the Shelby family while giving fans a story worthy of the big screen. This is Peaky Blinders at its best, and stands as a worthy cinematic continuation of a beloved series. It not only honors the show’s legacy but also serves as a powerful closing chapter that will undoubtedly satisfy fans of the Tommy Shelby saga.
