After six seasons, Peaky Blinders has returned in the form of The Immortal Man to give Cillian Murphy's Tommy Shelby one hell of a conclusion. As a fan of the original series, I was a bit apprehensive about it returning as a movie years after Tommy rode away on that white horse. However, writer Steven Knight, director Tom Harper and stars Murphy and Barry Keoghan give us a movie that serves as a methodical yet high-octane and worthy conclusion to this tale.
Release Date: March 6, 2026 (Theaters) March 20, 2026 (Netflix)
Directed By: Tom Harper
Written By: Steven Knight
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Barry Keoghan, Rebecca Ferguson, Sophie Rundle, Tim Roth and Stephen Graham
Rating: R for violence, language, some drug use and nudity
Runtime: 112 minutes
The story takes place in 1940. Tommy Shelby has exiled himself and is living like a recluse in his home. Meanwhile, his estranged son Duke (Barry Keoghan) has taken over the Peaky Blinders and is causing chaos in Birmingham. Then, in the midst of World War II, the former leader of the fierce gang is drawn back to his hometown.
So, as Tommy deals with his son, he’s also forced to reckon with the ghosts of his past. It’s all around a destructive yet beautiful tale about what could very well be Tommy Shelby’s final stand. And if it is indeed the last time we see the Peaky Blinders, it serves as a meaningful and well-earned farewell thanks to showstopping performances from Murphy and Keoghan that shine in this rich world that was developed on television.
Cillian Murphy and Barry Keoghan beautifully (and violently) juxtapose each other in the Peaky Blinders capstone.
For this chapter of Peaky Blinders, Cillian Murphy returns as an older version of his iconic lead, while Barry Keoghan joins the cast as Duke. Initially, I was concerned about the lack of original cast members in this film, but the sheer power of Murphy and Keoghan as a duo put that issue to bed very fast. These two have magnetic energy, they juxtapose one another brilliantly, and they play out this story of a father returning to see his kid in a very powerful way.
While Murphy brings the cool and scarily calm energy he maintained throughout the entire show, Keoghan bursts onto the screen like a firecracker. It works perfectly, too, because Duke is simultaneously Tommy’s son and his antithesis.
It’s those two notions that mix together brilliantly in this film. Throughout, Tommy and Duke face off, and it’s never quite clear where allegiances lie, especially when it comes to Keoghan’s character. Then, when the two finally meet, it’s in an explosive way that sets the tone for a rip-roaring and action-packed conclusion.
When I think about what makes Murphy a great actor, it's his stoic and methodical nature and ability to let his emotions out at just the right moment. Meanwhile, Keoghan’s unpredictability and passion radiate off a lot of his work. These guys bring both those energies to The Immortal Man, and the ways in which they clash and work together are what make it such a memorable movie.
The Immortal Man is a brilliant introduction to a new era, and a breathtaking conclusion to another.
By and large, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is a send-off. It’s a farewell to a generation of Shelbys, and it’s a beautiful one at that. Through moments of solitary introspection and forced, uncomfortable confrontation, Tommy has to reckon with his past and his loss in a visceral way. And in doing that, some semblance of closure is found.
Meanwhile, we’re also introduced to the new generation of Peaky Blinders. While Duke was in the show, Keoghan took over the part for the movie, and he fleshes him out fully. This man is haunted by his past and is trying to find his voice as the new leader of this infamous gang.
It’s a fresh take on the impact the Peaky Blinders have on Birmingham, and through the absolutely stellar action set pieces full of explosives and shootouts, we’re able to get a well-constructed full-circle ending with two key successes: it harkens back to Tommy’s days in World War I while also introducing to a new form of life and violence as his son steps into his power.
Overall, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is an intergenerational story that should thrill fans of the series. However, it also stands proudly on its own thanks to the new people involved, making for an epic conclusion that’s worthy of the beloved show that came before it.
