Film Review – Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man (2026)

      Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, 2026.

      Directed by Tom Harper.

      Cast: Cillian Murphy, Rebecca Ferguson, Barry Keoghan, Tim Roth, Stephen Graham, Sophie Rundle, Ned Dennehy, Packy Lee, Ian Peck, Jay Lycurgo, Ruby Ashbourne Serkis, Sam Baker Jones, Kasper Hilton-Hille, and Thomas Arnold.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Set during World War II, Tommy Shelby returns to a bombed Birmingham and becomes engaged in covert wartime operations based on real events, confronting new dangers while reflecting on his past and the increasing stakes for his country.

      Positioned between the epilogue of Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and the potential openings for future seasons featuring his estranged son Duke (Barry Keoghan), Tom Harper’s Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, with a screenplay by showrunner Stephen Knight, effectively utilizes this backdrop to weave a WWII narrative that balances standalone elements with closure for devoted viewers of the series.

      As a newcomer who has only seen parts of the first season years ago, I found it commendable that the film stands on its own. The scenes depicting a self-exiled Tommy Shelby as he traverses a remote manor, accompanied only by Johnny (Packy Lee), honoring family graves while mourning a daughter lost too soon in some tragic event, and expressing a profound world-weariness are particularly engaging. Even for someone with minimal familiarity with the show, Cillian Murphy’s portrayal keeps one invested in the story. Meanwhile, attention shifts to Duke, an entirely new character, who steps into the role of the titular gang leader.

      Duke is characterized as more violent and reckless than Tommy ever was—something one might anticipate given that he is played by Barry Keoghan, known for his roles as low-level criminals. Duke has joined Nazi John Beckett’s (Tim Roth) historically-based scheme, involving the smuggling of counterfeit German money into Great Britain in an effort to sabotage the war financially.

      Aside from a dedication at the end of the credits to British munitions factory workers who persevered amid air raids, the story bears little historical significance. In essence, the narrative centers on a father, with some encouragement from his sister (Sophie Rundle) and Rebecca Ferguson's character (whose role will remain unspoiled), attempting to steer his son away from a perilous path. It raises the question of whether the young man can be saved.

      Maintaining the stylistic flair of the TV show—and many other series—the storytelling and action are often amplified by a mix of licensed and original music, rendering some portions akin to a music video. At times, this approach risks feeling like a shortcut to evoke emotional responses, which may undermine the trust placed in the actors’ abilities. A few of these instances, alongside unnecessary exposition in the third act, slow the film down, but the central dynamic of the father and son grappling with their grief sustains the narrative until it shifts into the anticipated action sequence.

      Cillian Murphy's ability to draw in audiences unfamiliar with the series through his emotive performance is a testament to his talent; however, what sets Barry Keoghan’s role apart is the deeper inner conflict displayed, rather than mere psychopathic tendencies.

      For fans of the series, certain scenes are dedicated to Tommy, offering additional context for previously unclear events. Meanwhile, those unacquainted with the show will find an engaging slice of family crime drama, undoubtedly enhanced by its lead performances, especially during their interactions. With an ending poised to please dedicated fans, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man indicates that Stephen Knight’s creation may possess legacy and further storytelling potential for a new generation.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder