When it was announced that Peaky Blinders was being made into a film, there was never any doubt in my mind that I would be first in line to watch it. The original series remains one of my all-time favourites, though for me, series six felt like it had lost a little of its original spark. So I went into a screening of The Immortal Man hopeful that the fire would be reignited. Cillian Murphy reprises his role as Thomas Shelby, the leader of the notorious Birmingham gang, the Peaky Blinders.
Only this time, Tommy is a shell of his former self. Set in 1940 against the backdrop of World War II, Tommy is living in exile, still mourning the loss of his daughter, Ruby. However, Tommy is not entirely alone. Ada Thorne (Sophie Rundle) continues to be a steady and formidable presence, while Johnny Dogs (Packy Lee) retains his loyalty.
The return of characters such as Charlie Strong (Ned Dennehy), Curly (Ian Peck) and Hayden Stagg (Stephen Graham) adds a welcome sense of nostalgia, each playing an important role as opposed to appearing for the sake of it.
The cast is further strengthened by a few newcomers; the mysterious and enigmatic Kaulo (Rebecca Ferguson) and antagonist Beckett (Tim Roth), who unveils a scheme to forge British banknotes in an attempt to crash the economy.
Meanwhile, Barry Keoghan proves himself to be another perfect addition. He plays Duke, Tommy’s eldest son, born in 1914. Leading the Peaky Blinders in Tommy’s absence, Duke is ruthless, impulsive, and driven by what feels like both ambition and abandonment.
It’s pretty clear he has nothing to lose, but is perhaps yearning for something more. Visually, the film does not disappoint.
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Each familiar setting feels elevated in every scene, while guns, explosions and betrayal underpin a story ultimately centred on grief and reckoning.
Of course, everyone knows Tommy Shelby only needs a reason to return – and he is given just that. His return to Birmingham, flat cap and overcoat back in place, sets in motion a plan that feels comfortingly familiar to the intricate plotting of the earlier seasons.
I had an inkling about how it might end, and for me, it did not disappoint. The Immortal Man may not recapture every ounce of the series’ original spark, but it delivers a powerful and fitting continuation of Tommy Shelby’s story.
One thing is for certain, there will be tears.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is in UK cinemas from March 6 and will be released on Netflix on March 20.
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