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Barry Keoghan faces off against Cillian Murphy in the long-awaited Peaky Blinders film now streaming on Netflix. The film arrives March 20, 2026, bringing the iconic British gangster saga to a stunning conclusion. Murphy returns as the tortured Tommy Shelby, while Keoghan makes his debut as Duke, Tommy’s estranged son and the new leader of the Blinders.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Release Date: March 20, 2026 on Netflix globally
- Runtime: 1 hour 54 minutes of gripping drama and stunning cinematography
- Director: Tom Harper, with screenplay by creator Steven Knight
- Cast: Cillian Murphy, Barry Keoghan, Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth, and Sophie Rundle
Two Generations of Power Collide in Style
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man serves as the grand finale to a series that dominated the 2010s. Murphy delivers a powerhouse performance as an older, broken Tommy Shelby, isolated in a derelict estate. The film opens in 1940 during Birmingham’s harrowing Blitz. Tommy has withdrawn entirely from his criminal empire, haunted by his past and the tragic death of his daughter Ruby. Keoghan’s Duke has seized control, leading the Blinders into morally compromising deals with fascists and Nazis.
The collision between father and son forms the emotional core of this two-hour epic. Duke craves the approval and respect that Tommy no longer has to give. Keoghan brings vulnerability beneath his character’s steely exterior, portraying a young man searching for identity and belonging. Their dynamic crackles with tension, family obligation, and unresolved pain.
Barry Keoghan faces off against Cillian Murphy in Peaky Blinders film now on Netflix
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A Stacked Ensemble Faces Personal Demons
Rebecca Ferguson joins the cast as Kaulo, a mysterious Romani woman claiming mystical powers and a connection to Tommy’s past. Sophie Rundle returns as Ada Shelby, now a representative politician attempting to pull her brother back into the world. Tim Roth steals scenes as John Beckett, a suave Nazi sympathizer orchestrating a counterfeit currency scheme modeled on the real operation called Operation Bernhard.
Stephen Graham reprises his role as Hayden Stagg, a former enemy turned trusted ally. Ned Dennehy brings loyal gravitas as Charlie Strong, while Packy Lee returns as Johnny Dogs, Tommy’s steadfast companion through decades of bloodshed and betrayal. The ensemble cast delivers performances that honor the series’ legacy.
A Thriller Set Against Historical Tensions
The Immortal Man weaves real history into its narrative tapestry. Duke’s criminal enterprises threaten Britain’s defense efforts during World War II. Beckett recruits the reckless young gang leader into a plot involving counterfeit currency flooding the British market. The stakes feel momentous, with personal ambition colliding against national survival. Tom Harper’s direction creates a tense atmosphere where moral compromise breeds catastrophe. Steven Knight’s screenplay delivers sharp dialogue and operatic betrayals.
| Element | Details |
| Setting | Birmingham, England during the 1940 Blitz |
| Themes | Father-son conflict, legacy, redemption, fascism |
| Cinematography | Masterful composition by George Steel |
| Production Design | Meticulous 1940s British gangland aesthetic |
“He’s living in this purgatory that he’s created for himself in this big old house, he’s not really living, he’s not really dead.”
— Cillian Murphy, describing Tommy Shelby’s state in the film
Visual Mastery Captures Misery and Beauty
Director of photography George Steel showcases extraordinary craft throughout the film. Northern English mist envelops ancient Birmingham streets while crepuscular light bathes each frame in melancholic beauty. The production design feels tactile and historically grounded. Costume designer Alison McCosh brings back the signature Peaky aesthetic: sharp newsboy caps, tailored wool suits, and period-perfect details. Even the visual compositions feel deliberately composed, each scene a painting of decay and desperation.
The cinematography elevates The Immortal Man above typical streaming fare. Every shot carries weight and intention. Yet the story pacing moves swiftly, sometimes sacrificing depth for plot momentum. The dialogue occasionally feels expository, designed more for casual viewers than devoted fans who’ve followed Tommy for six seasons.
Does the Immortal Man Achieve Immortality of Its Own?
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man succeeds most when exploring Tommy and Duke’s fractured bond. Keoghan brings unexpected nuance to a character who could easily become one-dimensional. The young actor channels ambition, pain, and desperate hunger for paternal validation. Murphy remains mesmerizing, his gaunt features and cryptic stares conveying decades of trauma. Their final confrontation carries genuine emotional weight that rewards longtime viewers. Will the film satisfy Peaky devotees hungry for closure, or will it feel like a postscript to a story already concluded? Only those who’ve invested years in Tommy Shelby’s journey will know for certain.
Sources
- Netflix – Official cast guide and film information
- Hollywood Reporter – In-depth review by Robyn Bahr
- Wikipedia – Historical context on Peaky Blinders and Operation Bernhard
