Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is a feature-length continuation of the popular BBC series, set during World War II. The film follows Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy), a traumatized veteran haunted by the death of his daughter, Ruby. He is convinced by a spiritual Romani woman, Kaulo (Rebecca Ferguson), to confront his past and reenter the criminal world he thought he had left behind. The story takes a turn when Tommy is faced with the betrayal of his son, Duke (Barry Keoghan), who has fallen under the influence of a Nazi operative, John Beckett (Tim Roth).
What makes this film particularly interesting is the exploration of Tommy's internal struggles and his journey towards redemption. The film delves into the psychological impact of war on a veteran, and how he grapples with his past and his legacy. The use of a spiritual element adds a layer of complexity to the story, as Tommy is forced to confront his guilt and self-hatred.
In my opinion, the film's strength lies in its ability to capture the essence of the original series while adding a new dimension to the story. The film's pacing is a bit rushed, and the plot feels a bit forced at times, but the performances are strong and the visual style is impressive. The film's setting during World War II adds a sense of urgency and danger to the story, and the use of foggy moors and snow-covered canals creates a haunting atmosphere.
However, the film's main weakness is its lack of depth. The story feels a bit superficial, and the characters are not fully developed. The film's focus on Tommy's internal struggles is a welcome change, but it feels like a mere highlight reel of his anger, guilt, and self-hatred. The film's attempt to balance the procedural and espionage elements with the emotional core of the story falls flat, and the result is a bit of a mess.
Overall, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is a fascinating exploration of a traumatized veteran's journey towards redemption. While the film has its flaws, it is a compelling addition to the Peaky Blinders universe, and a must-watch for fans of the original series. The film's release on Netflix in March 2026 will no doubt spark interest and discussion among fans, and it will be interesting to see how the story unfolds in the next generation of Peaky Blinders.
