Any kind of sequel to an already existing, highly acclaimed series is going to have pressure to live up to the standard already set by its predecessor and to successfully tie up previous plot points. Unfortunately, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man fails to rightfully continue the story of the epic 1920s British gang.

The title of the movie, Immortal Man, would lead viewers to believe that they would see the continuation of the story of the notorious Thomas Shelby, with a satisfying wrap-up for his complex character, in addition to a fitting ending for his family and their storylines. 

Unsurprisingly, there are good parts to the film, such as the cinematography and Cillian Murphy’s acting as Thomas Shelby.  The visuals of the film are very reminiscent of the series, which has always been a positive attribute of the series. And Murphy is usually pleasant in anything he does, so neither of these aspects is a surprise. 

Also, there are a few scenes that remind viewers of the series because they have the same invigorating, suspenseful mood. The music is also great, which is typical for a series that had amazing needle drops. Overall, the movie does a good job of having the same sleek yet rough-around-the-edges style as the series did. 

But unfortunately, the movie does not live up to its name, and the storyline, pacing, and overall quality of the film blunder while trying to extend the legacy of the series. While this is not an inherently bad film on its own, when it is put into context with the in-depth plot development of the original show, it is disappointing to watch. The sad reality is that the movie creates a dissatisfying ending for characters who have been developed so well.

For example, one major character from the show, who was the highlight of many episodes, is killed off-screen for this film. While his death is certainly a plot point for the movie, it does not feel like the right send-off for such a complex character.

In addition, the pacing and plot of the movie feel rushed and disconnected, despite the movie being in development for years. While it is not necessarily a bad film, for plot and character reasons, fans of the series would be better off pretending that the end of the franchise came with the end of season six of Peaky Blinders, and not with the addition of this movie.