‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’ Delivers a Fitting Farewell to Tommy Shelby

Cillian Murphy returns as Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, now streaming on Netflix after a limited theatrical run. The film, a continuation of the acclaimed series that concluded in 2022, sees Tommy pulled back into a world of intrigue when his estranged son becomes entangled in a Nazi plot.

A Return to Form? Critics Weigh In

Early reviews of The Immortal Man are mixed, with praise largely directed towards Murphy’s performance and the re-emergence of familiar faces. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 93% positive rating, while Metacritic offers a more moderate score of 60, indicating a generally favorable, but not universally acclaimed, reception.

Critics have highlighted the film’s strengths in maintaining the stylistic elements that defined the original series. Barry Keoghan’s performance has also been singled out for praise, with many noting his seamless integration into the world of the Peaky Blinders.

However, some reviewers express concerns that the film retreads familiar ground. The Irish Times, giving the film a 40% rating, suggests that the once-cool aesthetic now feels mannered and stale. The Telegraph, also scoring it over 40%, describes the film as a “constellation of greatest hits,” implying a lack of fresh ideas.

Key Players Return

Alongside Cillian Murphy, several key cast members reprise their roles, including:

• Sophie Rundle as Ada Shelby
• Packy Lee as Johnny Dogs
• Ian Peck as Curly
• Ned Dennehy as Uncle Charlie
• Stephen Graham as Hayden Stagg

The story begins with Tommy Shelby in self-imposed exile, grappling with his past and attempting to write a memoir. His sister, Ada, now a member of Parliament, attempts to reconnect with him, but is largely kept at arm’s length.

Knight’s Vision for the Sequel

Series creator Steven Knight always envisioned continuing Tommy Shelby’s story, even during the display’s initial run on the BBC. “I have a clip of myself saying after Season 1 that I would take this story into the Second World War,” Knight stated. He emphasized that Tommy Shelby was never intended to simply retire peacefully, and that the character’s complex morality would continue to drive the narrative.

Where to Watch

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is currently streaming on Netflix. It had a two-week theatrical release beginning March 6, 2026.