Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man Revives Iconic Gangster Drama

The much-anticipated film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, released on March 20, 2026, on Netflix, serves as a cinematic epilogue to the acclaimed television series that captivated audiences from 2013 to 2022. Directed by Tom Harper and penned by series creator Steven Knight, the film takes place in 1940 against the backdrop of World War II, delving into the dark underbelly of Birmingham’s criminal world as it intersects with Nazi schemes.

At the heart of this latest installment is Cillian Murphy, reprising his iconic role as Tommy Shelby, the brooding leader of the Peaky Blinders gang. This time, Tommy is not the confident gangster we once knew; instead, he is a grizzled, grief-stricken figure, haunted by the ghosts of his past. Set six years after the series finale, the film opens with Tommy living in a crumbling country estate, wrestling with trauma and penning his memoir. “Who the [expletive] is Tommy Shelby?” a character quips in the film, encapsulating the existential crisis that plagues our protagonist.

Despite the film’s stylistic allure, it struggles to achieve the emotional depth and narrative complexity that fans might expect. The plot kicks into gear with a visit from Tommy’s sister Ada (Sophie Rundle), who brings alarming news: his illegitimate son Duke (Barry Keoghan) is running the Peaky Blinders into dangerous territory, entangled with Nazis who are plotting to flood the British economy with counterfeit banknotes as part of Operation Bernhard.

Duke, portrayed by Keoghan, is a character rife with daddy issues, desperately seeking approval from a father who has largely abandoned him. As he descends deeper into criminality, Duke embodies the chaotic legacy of the Shelby family. His relationship with Tommy is fraught, filled with resentment and a desperate need for validation. The film’s exploration of this father-son dynamic is compelling, albeit rushed, as it races toward its climax.

While the film is visually stunning, showcasing masterful cinematography that captures the misty landscapes of Northern England, it often feels more like an extended episode than a fully realized feature film. Critics have noted that the film balances moments of dark humor with its inherent menace, a hallmark of the original series. For instance, one standout scene features Tommy causing a grenade explosion to assert his identity, followed by a chaotic mud fight between him and Duke that serves as a cathartic reconciliation.

The film’s pacing, however, leaves much to be desired. At times, it seems to rush through plot points that could have benefited from deeper exploration. The character of Kaulo, played by Rebecca Ferguson, is introduced as a mystical Romani figure who guides Tommy on his journey, but her role feels underdeveloped and at odds with the film's tone.

Tim Roth joins the cast as a Nazi mole, adding another layer of conflict as the Peaky Blinders navigate their way through the murky waters of wartime treachery. The stakes are high, with Tommy facing not only the external threats posed by the Nazis but also the internal demons that have long haunted him.

As the film unfolds, it becomes clear that The Immortal Man is not just a story about gangsters and their exploits; it is a meditation on legacy, memory, and the burdens of family. Tommy’s journey is emblematic of the struggle to reconcile one’s past with the present, a theme that resonates deeply in the context of a world at war.

Despite its shortcomings, the film does offer moments of genuine emotional weight. A poignant scene in a morgue hallway filled with gurneys underscores the gravity of Tommy’s past, while his reintroduction to the patrons of The Garrison pub is both darkly comic and steeped in nostalgia.

Critics have noted that while The Immortal Man provides a firmer sense of closure than the series finale, it lacks the grace and subtlety that characterized the show at its best. The film’s heavy-handed approach to its themes may leave some viewers yearning for a more nuanced exploration of the characters’ complexities.

As the credits roll, it’s evident that The Immortal Man is a bittersweet farewell to a beloved character. Murphy’s portrayal of Tommy Shelby remains compelling, capturing the weariness and emotional depth of a man who has faced unimaginable loss. Even as the film grapples with its uneven narrative, it serves as a poignant reminder of why audiences fell in love with the Peaky Blinders in the first place.

In the end, the film is a bridge to the future of the Shelby family, hinting at new stories yet to come. As fans reflect on the legacy of Peaky Blinders, it’s clear that Tommy Shelby’s journey is far from over. While the film may not fully satisfy all viewers, it undoubtedly reignites the passion for a series that has left an indelible mark on the landscape of television drama.

With its blend of high-stakes drama, family dynamics, and historical context, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is a stylish yet flawed entry that captures the essence of what made the series a cultural phenomenon. As audiences settle in for this cinematic chapter, they are reminded once more of the grit, glamour, and complex humanity that define the world of the Peaky Blinders.