Tommy Shelby is back. Cillian Murphy returns as the iconic Birmingham gangster in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, which hit Netflix this week. Four years after the TV series ended with Season 6, this World War II-set film picks up with Tommy coming out of self-imposed exile for what’s being described as his most destructive reckoning yet.
What You Need to Know
The film is set during World War II, a natural progression from where the series left off. Tommy Shelby has been living in exile, but events pull him back into a world of violence, power, and consequence. The details of the plot have been kept relatively under wraps, which is unusual for a Netflix release of this scale.
Cillian Murphy is executive producing alongside series creator Steven Knight, who wrote the screenplay. The rest of the cast details and specific plot points are being revealed gradually as the film rolls out globally.
Do You Need to Watch the Series First?
Honestly, yes. Peaky Blinders ran for six seasons and built one of the most complex character arcs in recent television. Tommy Shelby’s journey from small-time Birmingham gang leader to political power broker is the backbone of the entire story. Walking into the film without that context would be like watching the last chapter of a book.
If you haven’t watched the series and want to before the film, all six seasons are available on Netflix. It’s roughly 36 episodes, each about an hour long. It’s a commitment, but the show is consistently excellent. The first two seasons alone are some of the best British drama produced in the last decade.
Is It Worth Watching?
If you’re a fan of the series, this is essential viewing. Murphy’s performance as Tommy Shelby has been one of the defining character portrayals of the 2010s and 2020s, and a World War II setting opens up new territory for the character.
If you’re new to Peaky Blinders, start with Season 1. You’ll thank yourself later.
Where to Watch
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is streaming now on Netflix. All six seasons of the TV series are also available on the platform.
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