Some epilogues don’t need to be written; Thomas Shelby’s is one of them. Over six seasons, the legend of the Peaky Blinders, led by Thomas Shelby, was forged. When the final episode aired in June 2022, Tommy left behind an enduring legacy. Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man seeks to elevate a figure whose myth had already been solidified throughout a highly successful series. The film is constructed as a postscript, attempting to deliver a glorious closing chapter to a character who arguably didn’t need one.

Steven Knight returns to bring the world of Peaky Blinders back to life, now within a story contained in under two hours without the benefit of the long-form storytelling that defined the series. The Immortal Man offers fans nostalgia and romanticism. Seeing Cillian Murphy back on the streets of Birmingham undoubtedly resonates with longtime viewers. For those unfamiliar with the Peaky Blinders universe, the film aims to connect as a story of redemption. Its narrative is framed as a crime thriller packed with action.

Set during World War II, with England under Nazi bombardment, Thomas Shelby is living in retirement in the countryside, consumed by grief and attempting to exorcise his demons by writing a book. His new life is disrupted when his past, embodied in his son, comes knocking, forcing him to take up arms once again. Knight’s script establishes a clear central conflict between the two protagonists, with their fractured father-son relationship serving as the foundation. Once this core tension is in place, the story introduces its antagonist in the form of a conspirator allied with the Nazis.

The Immortal Man strives in every way to replicate the legacy of the series that spawned it, from its aesthetic, music, and editing to its narrative tone. However, the film struggles to find its own voice and leans heavily on that legacy. Cillian Murphy and Barry Keoghan deliver strong performances in a film that is entertaining and well-paced but ultimately fails to transcend.