Netflix’s ‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’ – A Stylish Return to Form?

Peaky Blinders was a 2010s phenomenon, captivating audiences with its atmosphere and Cillian Murphy’s compelling portrayal of a damaged gang boss. Now, Netflix brings us Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, a feature-length follow-up that reunites fans with Tommy Shelby and the infamous Peaky Blinders crew. But does this cinematic epilogue capture the magic of the original series?

A Legacy of Vibes and Visuals

The original series, set in Birmingham between 1919 and the mid-1930s, often drew comparisons to The Sopranos. However, while both explored themes of violence and masculinity, Peaky Blinders distinguished itself with a unique “bro-core” aesthetic – a blend of hard rock, punk, and striking visuals of sharply dressed gangsters. The production design and cinematography were consistently top-notch, creating a world that was both gritty and glamorous. However, some critics felt the writing sometimes struggled to match the atmospheric brilliance.

What’s ‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’ About?

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man serves as an epilogue to the acclaimed TV series, picking up after the events of the 2022 finale. Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy), now a grizzled and grief-stricken figure, is haunted by his past and struggling to find meaning in a post-war world. As Birmingham endures the Blitz in 1940, Tommy is drawn back into the fray by his sister, Ada (Sophie Rundle), and a mysterious Romani woman, Kaulo (Rebecca Ferguson). The film introduces Duke Shelby (Barry Keoghan), Tommy’s long-lost son, whose reckless actions threaten to unravel everything Tommy has built.

The plot thickens with the introduction of John Beckett (Tim Roth), a British fascist scheming to destabilize the economy with counterfeit currency. Duke finds himself caught between his father’s legacy and the allure of easy money and validation from a sinister father figure.

Strong Performances and Stunning Cinematography

The film boasts a stellar cast, with standout performances from Cillian Murphy, Barry Keoghan, and Rebecca Ferguson. Keoghan, in particular, delivers a captivating performance as the troubled Duke, showcasing a complex mix of nihilism and vulnerability. The cinematography, by George Steel, is breathtaking, capturing the bleak beauty of the English landscape and the atmospheric grit of Birmingham. The film’s visual style is undeniably striking, reminiscent of the series’ signature aesthetic.

Is it Worth the Watch?

While Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man offers a visually stunning and well-acted continuation of the story, it may not fully satisfy die-hard fans. The plot feels somewhat rushed, and the dialogue occasionally leans towards the simplistic. However, for those seeking a stylish and dramatic return to the world of Tommy Shelby, this Netflix film is a worthwhile watch. It’s a digestible, if not entirely ambitious, epilogue that provides a sense of closure to the saga.

Details

• Release Date: Friday, March 20 (Netflix)
• Cast: Cillian Murphy, Barry Keoghan, Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth, Sophie Rundle, Stephen Graham
• Director: Tom Harper
• Screenwriter: Steven Knight
• Rating: R
• Runtime: 1 hour 52 minutes

Learn more about the original series: BBC Peaky Blinders Official Website

Explore more about Cillian Murphy’s career: IMDb – Cillian Murphy