“Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man”: How good is the Netflix film?

Cillian Murphy (49) once again slips into his legendary role as gang boss Tommy Shelby. After six seasons of “Peaky Blinders – Gangs of Birmingham” (2013-2022), Netflix users can watch the title from March 20, 2026 “Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man” about one Film continuation of the series be happy. It’s not just a reunion with familiar faces.

The traces of the series

The film follows on from the end of the series. In the sixth season, a doctor told the Shelby boss that he had tuberculoma and was dying, but the doctor was bribed by an enemy. Tommy, who had already ended his life, recognizes the fraud and wants to kill the doctor, but decides against it. In the film, the grizzled Tommy has now retreated to the countryside and, after his failed relationships, struggles alone with his inner demons and the ghosts of his past. The death of his daughter Ruby does not let go of the veteran, who is still scarred by the First World War, and he is also plagued by the bitter end of his now deceased brother Arthur.

Meanwhile, in his kingdom, his illegitimate son Duke has taken over the even bloodier scepter. He had already fought for a place in the family in the series and this time he is no longer portrayed by Conrad Khan, but by newcomer Barry Keoghan (33). Tommy’s sister Ada (Sophie Rundle) no longer wants to tolerate Duke’s machinations and asks Tommy to intervene in the generational conflict. But the seemingly fallen king hesitates – does he really want to return to the kingdom that brought him so much suffering?

However, the thought of his son making a deal with fascist sympathizer Beckett (Tim Roth) in the middle of World War II doesn’t leave him alone. And so Tommy, fighting his own inner war, returns to prevent something bad from happening. Can something good come out of all the evil? No bomb, no bullet, no knife from his enemies has been able to stop Tommy. Will it be different this time or will it be: Long live the king?

Skilled nostalgia

Not only Cillian Murphy manages to skillfully revive his role, which was shaken by fate and yet lost none of its rawness. The film also has everything else a Peaky Blinders heart desires. The connection to the series plot works and the equipment immediately catapults the viewer back into the Shelby world: flat caps, tweed suits, long coats and gold pocket watches as far as the eye can see. In addition, there are dark settings that bring the rough pavement of Birmingham’s streets to life in a way that is suitable for the cinema screen. And if you haven’t had enough of nostalgia, you can rely on the soundtrack, which includes a version of Nick Cave’s “Red Right Hand” that is familiar from the series and has now been re-recorded.

Familiar series faces in the form of Stephen Graham as Hayden Stagg, Ned Dennehy as Charlie Strong, Packy Lee as Johnny Dogs and Ian Peck as Curly round off the “Peaky Blinders” revival. Rebecca Ferguson takes on a new role alongside Tim Roth as Duke’s aunt, but both new additions are outshone by Barry Keoghan’s performance. The Irish actor fits into the “Peaky Blinders” world as if he had always belonged to it. In a suit, leather jacket and cap on his head, the “The Banshees of Inisherin” star shines as a tough yet sensitive gangster who oscillates between playing with the devil and his sense of family.

Conclusion

It is always a risk to follow up a successful series with a film sequel. Is the retelling consistent, is the quality maintained and are the loyal fans satisfied? “Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man” is a successful example of managing the balancing act between indulging in series memories, fresh content in the form of new actors and extremely dramatic twists. This much can be said: In the end, Tommy finds peace with the past. And so the “Peaky Blinders” fan could also make peace with the film’s conclusion to the story. But the desire for more prevails. The main reason for this is Barry Keoghan, who would like to keep his flat cap and tweed suit in his closet for a long time.