Fans of the beloved crime drama Peaky Blinders have eagerly awaited a new chapter in the saga, and their patience has finally paid off with the release of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. This new addition to the Blinderverse hit Netflix earlier this month, delivering a 112-minute film that transports viewers back to the gritty, atmospheric world led by the iconic Thomas Shelby, brought to life once more by the talented Cillian Murphy. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the film follows Thomas Shelby as he attempts to reclaim control of his former gang from his estranged son Duke, played by Barry Keoghan.
The concept is undoubtedly intriguing – a legendary gangster navigating a world that has moved on without him. Unfortunately, the execution leaves something to be desired. While the film offers plenty for die-hard fans of the series, it struggles to capture the magic of its predecessor.
Despite its shortcomings, The Immortal Man has earned praise for maintaining the original series' tone and atmosphere. Many critics have highlighted the film's cinematography, particularly the work of director of photography George Steel. "His team captures the Northern English mist, ancient city stones and crepuscular light in such a sensuous way that it’s impossible not to feel the dewy chill of the geography," lauds The Hollywood Reporter.
“(Murphy) dons the role of Tommy like it’s a suit that never goes out of style, not once struggling to capture Tommy’s inner turmoil or intense ruthlessness,” praises Consequence.
Cillian Murphy's portrayal of Thomas Shelby has been singled out as a standout element, with Murphy delivering a performance that brings depth and complexity to the character's journey. Yet, the film's pacing and script have drawn criticism, with many arguing that it feels more like an extended episode than a standalone film.
While critics have been vocal about the film's pacing and script issues, fans seem to echo these sentiments. On the Peaky Blinders subreddit, viewers have expressed mixed reactions, with some calling it a "disappointing, hollow departure" from the series' detailed storylines. Others lament the film's lack of complexity and plot depth.
Even so, some fans have found moments of brilliance in the film, appreciating its attempt to conclude Thomas Shelby's story. As one fan put it, "I loved the story, but it was too rushed (and) should have been three one-hour episodes or something."
Despite the mixed reviews, The Immortal Man has managed to achieve a respectable audience score on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes. For those who've journeyed through six seasons with Thomas Shelby and the Peaky Blinders, this film offers a chance to see how it all ends and sets the stage for an upcoming sequel series already in production.
If you're eager to see Thomas Shelby back in action, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is available to stream exclusively on Netflix. The film premiered on March 21, 2026, and all six seasons of the series are also accessible for a marathon viewing session.