Cillian Murphy shines once again in “The Immortal Man.”Image: netflix
Review
“Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man” is now available on Netflix, bringing a close to the beloved series and marking the finish of an era. Fans of the gangster saga are all but guaranteed to shed a tear.
March 22, 2026, 6:33 PMMarch 22, 2026, 6:33 PM
Anika Jany / watson.de
For six seasons and nine years, audiences followed the Peaky Blinders gang in Birmingham. A lot happened, thousands of cigarettes were smoked, plenty of blood was spilled, and even more alcohol consumed—and now this era concludes with a special film.
After Netflix took over production of the BBC series in 2019 and turned it into a global success, the story finds its conclusion with “Peaky Blinders – The Immortal Man.” And what a conclusion it is!
“Peaky Blinders – The Immortal Man”: What’s it about?
In the final series episode four years ago, Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy) was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Still, it quickly became clear that the doctor had been bribed to drive the gangster boss to suicide.
Shelby, as he often does, decided to deceive everyone and stage his own death. Apparently having made peace with life as a gangster, Tommy rides off into the sunset.
“Peaky Blinders – The Immortal Man” picks up right there, throwing viewers directly into the action: We’re now in World War II—and Thomas Shelby is in hiding.
Determined to have nothing more to do with the gangster lifestyle, he’s retreated to the countryside to write a book (yes, it sounds absurd).
But when the former head of the “Peaky Blinders” learns that his son, Duke (Barry Keoghan), is doing a terrible job as gang leader and putting himself in danger, he comes out of hiding to protect his family. “Family first” still seems to apply to Thomas Shelby after all these years.
“The Immortal Man”: Cillian Murphy Delivers Again
I’m certain Cillian Murphy was born 49 years ago to grab on the role of Thomas Shelby in 2013. The actor is one of the best of his generation—and “Peaky Blinders” shows that in every way.
Of course, Murphy has also proven his talent in “Oppenheimer” and “28 Days Later.” But for me, his defining role will always be Thomas Shelby. Who else could play the British gangster with such charisma, depth, and nuance as Cillian Murphy?
It’s clear that this role was as perfectly tailored to him as the suits Thomas Shelby wears, and that’s evident once again in “The Immortal Man.”
No one portrays inner turmoil quite like Cillian Murphy.Image: netflix
Yes, Thomas Shelby is older and more mature—but he still has the same edge and charisma that viewers have come to expect. The underlying brutality, the passion with which he protects his family… all of that has carried through six seasons of “Peaky Blinders” and shapes “The Immortal Man.”
However, I also seek to mention Barry Keoghan. He doesn’t just play his role as a Peaky Blinders heir brilliantly, he simply fits perfectly into the Birmingham gang.
It’s clear he doesn’t get overshadowed by Cillian Murphy, but shines alongside him. Both actors push each other in their performances.
“Peaky Blinders” Film on Netflix: Fan Service at its Finest
Anyone who thinks “The Immortal Man” deviates from the series’ vibe is mistaken. The film shows how excellent fan service can be executed.
For the final appearance of the Peaky Blinders, director Tom Harper brings the old gang back together: Uncle Charlie (Ned Dennehy), sister Ada (Sophie Rundle), and Haydn Stagg (Stephen Graham) join Thomas Shelby to fight against the Nazis.
And when Thomas Shelby rides on a huge, black horse through the streets of Birmingham, as in the very first episode of “Peaky Blinders,” with the iconic title theme “Red Right Hand” playing in the background, I can’t suppress a cheerful chuckle.
The iconic opening scene was recreated in the finale of the series.Image: netflix
That’s exactly what fans want from a feature-length finale: references to iconic moments from the series, the typical 1920s aesthetic of gray England with rain-soaked streets and narrow alleys, a reunion with old characters, subtle allusions to past tragedies and the perfect blend of slow-motion sequences and fire explosions in the background.
All of this is underscored by the extremely atmospheric soundtrack from longtime “Peaky Blinders” producers: Antony Genn and Martin Slattery.
“Peaky Blinders – The Immortal Man”: Prepare for Tears
I’m generally very sensitive. When one of my absolute favorite series ends, the floodgates open in my eyes automatically.
I was afraid that the film wouldn’t provide a honorable and, above all, rounded conclusion to one of the best series on Netflix. Fortunately, my fears were unfounded.
“The Immortal Man” is everything you could wish for in the end of this era: stylish, bloody, exciting, atmospheric, intense, and above all, emotional.
I don’t want to spoil the ending of “The Immortal Man” here, but one piece of advice I can provide to fans of the series: have tissues ready, you’ll need them.
