The enduring appeal of Peaky Blinders, the British period crime drama that captivated audiences throughout the 2010s, rested on a potent combination of atmospheric storytelling, compelling characters, and, undeniably, Cillian Murphy’s magnetic portrayal of Tommy Shelby. Now, that world returns to screens with Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, a feature-length film available on Netflix, serving as an epilogue to the series that concluded in 2022. While visually arresting and boasting strong performances, the film feels less like a satisfying continuation and more like a stylish, if somewhat hollow, exercise in fan service.
The original series, set in post-World War I Birmingham, often drew comparisons to The Sopranos, largely due to its exploration of violence and outsider status. Though, as many critics noted, the connection was superficial. Where The Sopranos prioritized cinematic depth, Peaky Blinders leaned into a more visceral, “bro-core” aesthetic, pairing gritty imagery with a soundtrack of hard rock and punk. The show’s production design and cinematography were consistently impressive, but the writing sometimes struggled to match the ambition of its visual style. This dynamic continues in The Immortal Man, which prioritizes mood and spectacle over narrative nuance.
A Haunted Past and a Troubled Legacy
The film finds Tommy Shelby (Murphy) years after the events of the series finale, living a reclusive existence in a dilapidated estate. Haunted by the ghosts of his past – particularly the loss of his young daughter, Grace – and grappling with the weight of his violent legacy, Tommy has withdrawn from the world, spending his days shooting pigeons and attempting to write his memoirs. The Blitz is raging in the Midlands, adding another layer of bleakness to his already desolate existence. His estranged brother, Arthur (Paul Anderson), is notably absent, a rift that quickly becomes a central plot point.
Tommy’s self-imposed exile is disrupted by the arrival of two women: his politically active sister, Ada (Sophie Rundle), who brings news of Birmingham’s suffering and the failings of the current Peaky Blinders leadership, and Kaulo (Rebecca Ferguson), a Romani woman who claims to hold the key to Tommy’s ultimate destiny. Ferguson’s performance is particularly striking, imbuing Kaulo with an enigmatic intensity. The dynamic between Kaulo and Tommy, steeped in Romani mysticism, echoes classic hero’s journey tropes, reminiscent of the work of Joseph Campbell.
The Rise of Duke Shelby and a Dangerous Conspiracy
The catalyst for Tommy’s reluctant return to action is the emergence of his long-lost son, Duke (Barry Keoghan). Revealed late in the final season of the series, Duke is now a nihilistic and volatile force, having taken control of the Peaky Blinders and steered them towards increasingly dangerous and morally reprehensible enterprises. Keoghan delivers a compelling performance, portraying Duke as a man consumed by rage and a desperate need for validation. He’s a character seemingly designed to provoke Tommy, and their fraught relationship forms the emotional core of the film.
Duke’s reckless ambition attracts the attention of John Beckett (Tim Roth), a seemingly mild-mannered British fascist who is secretly plotting to destabilize the British economy using German-made counterfeit currency. Beckett, a chillingly understated villain, preys on Duke’s insecurities, offering him power and a twisted sense of belonging. The film explores themes of manipulation, toxic masculinity, and the allure of extremism, though often in a somewhat heavy-handed manner.
Style Over Substance
Visually, The Immortal Man is a triumph. Director of photography George Steel masterfully captures the atmospheric grit of post-war Birmingham, utilizing evocative lighting and composition to create a palpable sense of dread and decay. The film’s aesthetic is undeniably captivating, but at times, it feels as though style is prioritized over substance. The frequent utilize of hazy reveries and slow-motion sequences, while visually striking, can feel gratuitous and detract from the narrative momentum.
The dialogue, too, suffers from a tendency towards exposition and cliché. At times, it feels as though the film is rushing through plot points simply to reach a predetermined conclusion, sacrificing character development and emotional resonance in the process. As one critic noted, the film occasionally veers into “corny soap opera” territory, relying on melodramatic tropes and predictable plot twists.
Despite these shortcomings, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man offers a compelling, if imperfect, conclusion to Tommy Shelby’s story. The performances are uniformly strong, and the film’s visual style is undeniably captivating. However, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the complexities of its characters and themes. The film’s runtime is 1 hour and 52 minutes, and We see rated R for violence and language, according to Netflix.
Looking Ahead
While The Immortal Man provides a sense of closure for the Shelby family, the future of the Peaky Blinders franchise remains uncertain. Series creator Steven Knight has hinted at the possibility of further spin-offs and continuations, but no concrete plans have been announced. Fans eager for more from this world will likely be following any developments closely. For now, The Immortal Man serves as a stylish, if somewhat flawed, epilogue to a beloved series.
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