Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man Is Cillian Murphy’s Epic Return As Tommy Shelby

Tommy Shelby is finally back on our screens after four years away. The long-awaited Peaky Blinders film, The Immortal Man, is in select cinemas now (ahead of its arrival on Netflix on 20 March), and it ushers in a new chapter in the Shelby clan’s story.

As a long-time fan of the show, I had been a little worried that a movie may not have the same magic as the show did. But boy, was I wrong.

Steven Knight has created something incredibly special with this film. It’s everything that a fan of the show could want it to be, and even more. Personally, I’d give it five stars.

After all, is there anything more iconic than seeing Tommy Shelby back in his baker boy cap? I think not.

It all starts in Birmingham in 1940. The characters are in the midst of the Second World War, and the Peaky Blinders are working on one of their biggest plots yet, when chaos ensues.

When the movie starts, Tommy has been in a self-imposed exile following the events of the show’s finale. In his absence, his grown-up son, Duke (played by new addition Barry Keoghan) has taken charge, and is doing things on his own terms, rather than what his father would have done.

However, this means he’s essentially running the Peaky Blinders into the ground, and when Tommy catches wind of the situation, he finds himself at a difficult crossroads – forced to choose between his exile and saving the family from destruction.

The on-screen chemistry between Barry and Cillian is immense. The casting here is absolutely perfect, and you’d be forgiven for thinking the two really are father and son, as they bounce off each other incredibly well. Barry truly understood the assignment – and slots right into the family.

It is also just wonderful to see a new generation of Peaky Blinders in action, as they usher in a new era for the gang.

While there’s always a fear when a classic TV show gets a movie follow-up after it’s done that it won’t be able to live up to expectations, The Immortal Man more than does Peaky Blinders justice.

The film also contains so many elements of nostalgia for fans who have been there since season one, including a poignant nod to the late, great Helen McCrory.

Another treat for Peaky Blinders fans is the return of Ada Shelby. Sophie Rundle is back as the level-headed sister, trying to make sure the Peaky Blinders don’t cause too much chaos (though unsurprisingly, she has little success on that front).

Over the course of the film, we also discover the fate of Tommy’s brother, Arthur Shelby. Fans of the show know how much of an important role he had to play in the gang, and it was interesting to see how the movie operated without him.

In many ways, The Immortal Man feels like an end of the road for the Peaky Blinders, but at the same time, it puts the characters in new situations and introduces a host of exciting newbies.

The film also ends in a way that means there could easily be a sequel that explores the next generation of the Peaky Blinders – although if this is really it, I’m happy to say that it’s a satisfying conclusion.

The movie’s soundtrack is absolutely immense, and really enhances the epic visuals.

Grian Chatten, of Fontaines DC fame, has created new original songs for the film, and his haunting vocals are the perfect soundtrack to the moody backdrop and dark visuals. It’s an ideal pairing, and the music only enhances the atmosphere.

As it turns out, Cillian Murphy himself is also a huge Fontaines DC fan, even going as far as calling himself a “fanboy”. I can imagine that he’s thrilled that it all came together so well.

Overall, the film does a spectacular job of reviving these beloved characters, whilst also paying homage to the show we already know and love.

It’s the perfect way to pay respects to the television show, while also feeling like it can stand on its own two feet.

Diehard Peaky Blinders fans will no doubt love this project – but there’s enough drama, intensity and grit that even if you’ve never seen the show before, it’s still a hit. It will have you hooked and leave you wanting more.

By order of the Peaky Blinders, it gets a 5/5 from me.