When it comes to iconic TV-to-film adaptations, few shows have captured the global imagination quite like Peaky Blinders. So, when news broke of a standalone feature film, fans like myself couldn’t help but wonder: could it possibly live up to the gritty, stylish legacy of the series? Having now seen Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, I can confidently say it’s a bold, muddy, and bloody addition to the franchise—though not without its quirks. Let’s dive in.
A New Chapter for Tommy Shelby
The film picks up in 1940, years after the TV series concluded, and finds Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) in a state of weary isolation. Gone is the bustling Birmingham underworld; instead, Tommy resides in a remote mansion, haunted by the ghosts of his past—his late brother Arthur, his daughter Ruby, and the trauma of World War I. What makes this particularly interesting is how the film uses Tommy’s solitude to explore the psychological toll of his life choices. He’s writing his autobiography, a detail I found intriguing—it’s as if Tommy is trying to make sense of his own legacy before it’s too late. Personally, I wish we’d seen more of this introspective side, perhaps even a scene where he grapples with his memoir’s darker truths. Alas, no such luck.
A New Threat, Old Instincts
The plot kicks into gear when Rebecca Ferguson’s character arrives with alarming news: Tommy’s son, Erasmus (Barry Keoghan), has taken over the Peaky Blinders and is making dangerous alliances. Erasmus, a character I found both frustrating and fascinating, is a Gen-Z-esque leader raiding government armouries and collaborating with a Nazi fifth columnist, Beckett (Tim Roth). Here’s where the film takes a sharp turn into wartime politics. What many people don’t realize is that the Romani community, to which the Shelbys belong, was brutally targeted by the Nazis. Erasmus’s ignorance of this historical context feels like a missed opportunity for deeper character development. Still, the tension between father and son is electric, and Keoghan’s performance is a standout—chaotic, desperate, and utterly compelling.
Tommy vs. the Nazis: A Sentimental Hero?
One of the film’s boldest moves is positioning Tommy as a staunch anti-Nazi figure. While it’s satisfying to see him fight for a greater good, it also feels a tad sentimental. In my opinion, Tommy’s moral ambiguity has always been one of his most intriguing traits. Here, he’s almost too much of a hero, especially when contrasted with his earlier conflicts with figures like Winston Churchill. That said, the film’s portrayal of wartime Britain is undeniably gripping. Director Tom Harper and screenwriter Steven Knight lean into the homefront war narrative, creating a sense of urgency that keeps you hooked. The pub scene where Tommy confronts a group of rowdy soldiers is a highlight—a masterclass in Murphy’s ability to command the screen with barely a word.
Style Over Substance?
Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. The mud-soaked landscapes and blood-drenched action sequences are quintessential Peaky Blinders. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the film relies too heavily on style at times. While the TV series balanced its aesthetic with complex storytelling, the movie occasionally feels like a greatest hits compilation. That’s not to say it’s bad—far from it. But it does raise the question: is this a film for die-hard fans, or can newcomers enjoy it? Personally, I think it’s a bit of both, though some moments might leave casual viewers scratching their heads.
Final Thoughts: A Confident, If Flawed, Addition
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is a resoundingly confident drama that delivers on the franchise’s signature blend of grit and glamour. Cillian Murphy’s performance is, as always, mesmerizing, and the supporting cast holds their own. Yet, the film’s attempt to canonize Tommy as a hero feels slightly at odds with the morally gray character we’ve come to know. What makes this particularly interesting is how it sets the stage for future stories—could this be the beginning of a new era for the Peaky Blinders? Only time will tell.
In the end, this film is a testament to the enduring appeal of Tommy Shelby and his world. It’s not perfect, but it’s undeniably Peaky Blinders—and sometimes, that’s more than enough.
