Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man takes an unexpected turn, fast-forwarding to World War II for a finale that feels more like an obligatory encore than a satisfying conclusion. This feature-length extension of the beloved BBC series, created by Steven Knight, leaves viewers questioning its purpose and impact.
The story picks up in 1940, with Birmingham gangster Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) in self-imposed exile, haunted by the ghost of his daughter Ruby and the memories of his traumatic past. Enter Kaulo (Rebecca Ferguson), a spiritual Romani woman, who pushes Tommy to confront his demons and the death that surrounds him. Kaulo's presence sets the stage for a re-examination of Tommy's complex emotional journey.
What makes this particularly intriguing is the introduction of Duke (Barry Keoghan), Tommy's first son and the new leader of the Peaky Blinders gang. Duke, lacking a strong paternal figure, is easily manipulated by Nazi operative John Beckett (Tim Roth) into committing treason. The plan involves smuggling counterfeit banknotes, a real-life Nazi operation known as Operation Bernhard. This plot twist adds a layer of espionage and raises questions about the impact of such an operation during a time of war.
However, The Immortal Man falls short in its execution. With a runtime of just over an hour and a half, it fails to explore the procedural and espionage elements that could have made for compelling television. The film rushes through its narrative, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. For instance, how did the Nazis infiltrate English cities during the Blitz? What was their strategy for distributing the counterfeit notes, and what impact would it have had on the economy?
Additionally, the film struggles to establish Duke as a worthy co-lead. Keoghan's performance lacks the intensity and authenticity that Murphy brought to the series. The dynamic between Tommy and Duke feels forced, with their relationship lacking the depth and complexity that the show had previously built.
The villain, John Beckett, portrayed by the talented Tim Roth, also falls flat. Roth, known for his ability to portray sinister characters with an affable persona, seems underutilized in this role. Beckett comes across as too cool and casual, failing to leave a lasting impression. The film's pacing and excessive close-ups further exaggerate this issue, making it difficult for viewers to connect with the characters and their motivations.
Despite these shortcomings, The Immortal Man boasts impressive production design and location work. The foggy moors and snow-covered canals of Birmingham create a haunting backdrop, reflecting the dying world that our characters inhabit. The set design, with its cracked walls and dilapidated houses, adds to the sense of despair and purposelessness.
In conclusion, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man feels like a missed opportunity. While it offers a unique take on World War II and Operation Bernhard, it fails to deliver on the promise of a satisfying finale. The film's rushed narrative, lackluster performances, and underdeveloped characters leave viewers feeling disappointed. It is a reminder that not all extensions of beloved series live up to the original's legacy. Perhaps, in this case, less would have been more.
