Published on March 26, 2026
‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man,’ a highly anticipated movie and continuation of the beloved television series, sees Cillian Murphy reprising his role as the enigmatic mob boss Tommy Shelby. This latest installment, directed and penned Steven Knight, is set against the darker backdrop of Britain in 1940, amidst the chaos of World War II.
With a mix of nostalgia and tension, the film picks up seven years after Tommy Shelby’s previous battles against the rise of British fascism. As Luftwaffe bombers decimate cities, the plot intertwines the threats of the Nazi regime, notably through the character of John Beckett, played , an English agent who manipulates Duke Shelby, Tommy’s eldest son, portrayed .
Duke, newly appointed leader of the Peaky Blinders during Tommy’s absence, struggles to maintain respect within the ranks and faces increasing hostility from locals, including his aunt, Ada Thorne, now a local MP. The tension escalates as Duke and the Blinders raid a bombed munitions factory, leading to destructive consequences and irked leadership from Ada.
In a twist of fate, Tommy, living in self-imposed exile, is drawn back into the fray when Ada seeks his aid. The arrival of Kaulo Chiriklo, played , adds further complexity to Tommy’s already tumultuous journey. Kaulo’s connection to Tommy revisits the ghost of his past, as she reveals familial ties that compel him back to Birmingham, where Duke’s decisions threaten to crumble the family’s legacy.
Amidst the unfolding drama, the film shines in multiple aspects. Visually stunning cinematography and Ben Wilson, along with impressive costume and production designs, create a captivating atmosphere. Accompanied by a pulsating soundtrack featuring Fontaines DC, Nick Cave, and others, the movie resonates with the cultural tone of the series while providing a fresh auditory experience.
Yet, despite these strengths, ‘The Immortal Man’ reveals itself to be a mixed bag. While Cillian Murphy once again delivers a haunting performance, the film struggles with pacing and inconsistent writing throughout its 112-minute runtime. Some scenes, particularly those involving Murphy and Keoghan or Murphy and Ferguson, seem to drag, lacking the sharpness that characterized some of the series’ most memorable moments.
Conversely, Tim Roth’s portrayal of Beckett stands out as the film’s primary antagonist, injecting a charge into the narrative that often grows faint elsewhere. Supporting performances and Sophie Rundle bolster the plot, but overall, some characters, including Keoghan and Ferguson, are overshadowed established counterparts, detracting from their impact.
The film culminates in a climactic showdown, incorporating elements of thrilling action, but some set pieces, notably a finale set against the backdrop of Liverpool docks, appear less cohesive than the best of the series. While moments linger in memory, the film ultimately draws parallels with the series: it has memorable scenes and crowd-pleasing performances, yet it falls short of the high benchmarks set .
In conclusion, ‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’ is a commendable but flawed return to the world of Tommy Shelby. It encapsulates the show’s signature style and swagger but wrestles with the challenges of maintaining narrative consistency. As fans embrace this new chapter, they may find themselves captivated yet yearning for the deeper substance present in other contemporary narratives within the gangster genre. The film was released in UK and Irish cinemas on March 6, 2026 and became available for streaming on Netflix on March 20, 2026.
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