Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man – What to Remember Before Watching the Movie

The world of Peaky Blinders expands beyond the acclaimed BBC series with the release of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, bringing the Shelby family saga to the sizeable screen. Now playing in select UK cinemas and arriving on Netflix this Friday, March 20th, the film revisits the characters audiences have approach to grasp, several years after the events of the television show’s finale. The continuation stars Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, alongside new additions Tim Roth, Rebecca Ferguson, and Barry Keoghan, promising a fresh chapter in the criminal underworld of Birmingham.

Before diving into this new installment, a refresher on key events from the series will enrich the viewing experience. Here are five crucial elements to recall before watching Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.

The series finale left Tommy Shelby facing a profound deception. Believing he was terminally ill, Tommy contemplated suicide as a means of controlling his fate. However, this diagnosis was revealed to be a manipulation orchestrated by Dr. Holford, who was connected to fascist groups and actively plotting against him. This revelation dramatically altered Tommy’s course of action.

Discarding his plans for self-destruction, Tommy symbolically burned his trailer, signifying an end to that chapter of his life. The final scene depicted him riding off on horseback, heading towards an uncertain future, but one seemingly determined by a renewed sense of purpose.

Despite the twist surrounding Tommy’s health, the finale maintained the series’ signature tragic tone. The death of Michael Gray, Tommy’s cousin, marked a significant loss. Their rivalry had escalated throughout the series, culminating in a direct confrontation where Michael attempted to kill Tommy, but was ultimately killed by him.

This loss adds to a long list of tragedies that have befallen the Shelby family, including the deaths of John Shelby, Aunt Polly Gray, and Tommy’s daughter, Ruby Shelby. Ruby’s death from tuberculosis at age seven was particularly devastating for Tommy, deeply impacting his psychological state throughout the series.

One of the most significant reveals of the final season was the introduction of Duke Shelby, Tommy’s illegitimate son, previously unknown to him. Initially presented as a street thief, Duke’s true identity and connection to the Shelby family hinted at potential shifts within the criminal organization. Conrad Khan originally portrayed Duke in the series.

In the new film, Barry Keoghan takes on the role of Duke, now positioned as the leader of the Peaky Blinders even as Tommy is in self-imposed exile. Early indications suggest a more ruthless and uncompromising leadership style. Ada Shelby describes the new direction of the gang, stating that Duke is running things “like it’s 1919,” implying a return to more violent and direct methods.

Another character introduced in the final season was Hayden Stagg, played by Stephen Graham. Initially an adversary to Tommy, their relationship evolved into a strategic partnership.

By the end of the series, Stagg agreed to act as an intermediary for Shelby organization’s commercial and transport operations at the Liverpool docks. This role places him in a key position within the gang’s activities, particularly as they seek to expand or reorganize. His return in the film suggests this alliance will continue to play a role in the unfolding events.

Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, is also responsible for writing the upcoming 26th James Bond film, to be directed by Denis Villeneuve, according to Wikipedia. Knight also created the BBC’s Peaky Blinders, SAS: Rogue Heroes, and A Thousand Blows.

Arthur Shelby, Tommy’s older brother and one of the most unpredictable figures in the story, is a crucial character throughout the series. Arthur grapples with personal struggles, including chemical dependency and mental health challenges, including the impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stemming from his experiences during the war and in the criminal world.

Notably, Arthur does not appear on the official cast list for the new film, raising questions about his involvement in the narrative. However, his legacy and relationship with Tommy are likely to continue to influence events, even if he isn’t physically present.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man arrives at a moment of continued interest in the franchise. The series’ success on the BBC One and Netflix, coupled with Steven Knight’s expanding creative portfolio, suggests a sustained future for the Shelby family’s story. The film’s release on Netflix this Friday will undoubtedly draw in a wide audience eager to see the next chapter unfold.

What’s next for the Peaky Blinders universe? Beyond the film, the BBC has announced the return of Peaky Blinders with two new series, telling the story of a new generation of Shelbys, again written and created by Steven Knight (BBC Media Centre). This indicates that the world of Peaky Blinders is far from over, with more stories to be told within this compelling criminal saga.