*Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man* follows a solitary author whose procrastination and fear of the blank page are so profound that he decides to abandon his rural idyll to reconnect with his estranged family, as well as with old comrades and long-standing enemies. He even goes so far as to confront new adversaries—in the form of a covert force of Nazi invaders who have infiltrated England—finding this far easier and more preferable than grappling with a paralyzing bout of writer's block.
I jest, of course; but, truth be told, this is a rather accurate description of the situation in which we first encounter the retired gangster Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy). In self-exile from a life of crime that has cost him a long list of loved ones, Tommy is a tormented figure striving to achieve some measure of catharsis and healing by pouring his soul into the writing of a confessional book. The endeavor is not going well at all...
Director: Tom Harper
Writer: Steven Knight
Stars: Bonnie Stott, Cillian Murphy, Barry Keoghan
Meanwhile, back in Birmingham, Tommy’s son, Duke (Barry Keoghan), has kept the Peaky Blinders gang alive. However, the group’s behavior in the wake of the devastating bombing that ravaged the city reeks of scavenging and opportunism. In fact, Duke’s dubious—or entirely nonexistent—moral compass leads him to go so far as to facilitate a Nazi plot to implode the English economy through the mass counterfeiting of currency.
Soon, those who feel that Duke could use a healthy dose of paternal supervision begin to make their way to Tommy’s country estate. First his sister, and then a mystical fortune teller from his past, urge him to return to the fray. Students of screenwriting will share a knowing smile as they watch Tommy adhere to the now-patinaed tropes of the "reluctant hero’s journey"—particularly in his initial refusal of the call to return to action. If my calculations aren't off, he rejects her not once. Nor twice. But three times!
Naturally, it is the family bond that ultimately makes Tommy change his mind. Before long, we see him once again impeccably suited and booted, in true *Peaky Blinders* style. I was going to describe the themes explored here as "Shakespearean," but perhaps their roots stretch back to even more ancient times. As Tommy and Duke sink into the filth of the pigsty, a literal power struggle ensues—a situation with a distinctly biblical character: betrayal between fathers and sons; inherited sin. Hell! I don't know every passage of the "Good Book" by heart, but even Tommy's succumbing to the temptation of the seer—played by Rebecca Ferguson—is likely accounted for within its pages somewhere. Is there, perhaps, a verse prophesying that a man will sleep with the twin sister of a deceased former lover?
For a film that introduces the Nazi threat so forcefully right from its opening moments, it displays a deliberate aversion to resorting to cheap sentiment or easy humor when dealing with this new enemy. Those expecting a simple, direct confrontation between the Peaky Blinders and the Nazis will undoubtedly be surprised by the long wait—spanning practically the entire runtime—before a head-on clash between the two sides finally occurs. True to its contemplative spirit, the film focuses more on the repercussions of a life defined by violence, repeatedly placing Tommy's mental health at the forefront of the narrative. His scars saturate every frame of the film as he grapples with loneliness, loss, trauma, and guilt.
Personally, I felt that this thoughtful, meditative tone occasionally detracts from the work's pure entertainment value. By the time a certain bit of mischief involving a hand grenade makes its appearance, that touch of levity proves more than welcome. To paraphrase—and perhaps butcher—a famous lyric by Leonard Cohen: "fun is how the light gets in."
Irish talent has enriched *Peaky Blinders* at every stage of its journey: both in front of and behind the camera, as well as in its soundtrack. Need it be said that Cillian Murphy shines brightly, performing with equal mastery as both a man of action and a man of few words? His portrayal of Tommy Shelby—steeped in soul and depth—has always served as an anchor for the saga, paradoxically allowing the series to take flight toward new heights. Likewise, Barry Keoghan reveals himself to be a worthy successor in every respect. He brings presence and a latent menace; his silences somehow manage to fuse impenetrability with a surprising emotional openness.
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