Like “Downton Abbey”, I didn’t watch a single episode of British crime drama “Peaky Blinders” (which ran from 2013 to 2022), but I was aware of its popularity. Just as I did with the “DA” film trilogy, I was willing to take a chance on the new movie that continues the “Peaky Blinders” saga to see if it works as an effective standalone experience. The results of “The Immortal Man” are mixed.
It’s 1940. Gangster Tommy Shelby (played by “Oppenheimer” Oscar winner Cillian Murphy) has been secluded in the countryside for a while. The theme of someone ‘out of the game’ who’s convinced, after a series of inner reflections and developments, to essentially come out of retirement, is pretty traditional. There isn’t much in the slow, standard opening 45 minutes of “The Immortal Man” that’s all that compelling.
Then the film finally finds a rhythm. Director Tom Harper (of my favorite film of 2019, “Wild Rose”) and writer Steven Knight (who also created the series) make some interesting and dynamic decisions when it comes to the characters, music and action scenes, which will likely have a major impact on fans of the show.
Barry Keoghan plays Tommy Shelby’s unpredictable son Duke. Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Roth also join the ensemble. Stephen Graham (fresh-off his awards run for “Adolescence”) makes a franchise return in the final act. The performances are fine. It’s the overall style, and several second half surprises, that stand-out much more.
LCJ GRADE: C+
Running Time: 112 min.