Cillian Murphy returns as Tommy Shelby in the Netflix film that critics love but longtime viewers call rushed, soulless, and a disappointing farewell.
The Peaky Blinders movie, The Immortal Man, arrived on Netflix on March 20, 2026, carrying the weight of a beloved series that ran for six seasons. The film brings back Cillian Murphy as the iconic Tommy Shelby, moving the story into World War II. Critics have praised it, with Rotten Tomatoes scores sitting above 90 percent. But within hours of its release, a very different reaction flooded social media. Fans who followed the Shelby family for over a decade are calling the ending rushed, poorly written, and missing the soul of the original show.
Fans Call the Ending Rushed and Disappointing
The most common complaint is simple: the story feels squeezed into a runtime of just under two hours. Viewers believe the film tries to cover too much ground too quickly, leaving emotional moments with no time to land. What the original series built across seasons now feels compressed.
One viewer on X wrote, “It felt rushed to the point where you do not even have time to process what just happened.” Another user summed up the letdown by saying, “The new peaky blinders movie was proper mid compared to the show.” The disappointment runs so deep that some fans say they will ignore the film entirely. A post on X stated, “Think ill stick to the series ending of peaky blinders disappointing.”
This Is Not the Tommy We Watched for Years
Beyond the pacing, fans are frustrated with the writing choices. The original series, created by Steven Knight, built its name on layered plots and sharp dialogue. In the film, many viewers feel that depth is missing. Plot turns are described as predictable or forced, as if they exist only to wrap things up quickly.
There is also debate around Tommy Shelby himself. Certain decisions in the film do not sit well with longtime viewers who followed his journey from the beginning. One user on X expressed a common sentiment: “The script feels moronic compared to the series. This is not the Tommy we watched for years.”
Arthur Shelby’s Absence Hurts the Emotional Core
Another major point of anger is the handling of Arthur Shelby, played by Paul Anderson. Fans quickly noticed that Arthur is not part of the film in a meaningful way. For many, this absence damages the emotional core of the story. The brotherly bond that defined so much of the show feels sidelined.
A Reddit user wrote, “It looks great and the acting is strong, but the storytelling choices weaken the characters. This should have been a full season.” In interviews, Knight explained the difficult decision, confirming that Arthur dies by Tommy’s hand. Knight said, “That’s the absolute point of that event… it’s something that he cannot forgive himself for, because it goes against everything he’s ever stood for.”
Mixed Reactions: Style Over Substance
Visually, the film has been widely praised. The wartime setting adds scale, and the cinematography meets high expectations. But some fans believe the film focuses too much on style at the expense of storytelling. There is a sense that it leans into nostalgia and big moments without building a strong narrative.
One viewer on X said, “It feels like a greatest hits version of Peaky Blinders, but without the soul.” Tom Harper, who directed the film and also directed episodes in Season 1, noted the difference in approach. He said a film is “more singular” and “more cinematic,” with a tighter focus on Tommy.
Not Everyone Hates It: Praise for Cillian Murphy
The response is not entirely negative. Many viewers still praise Murphy’s performance, calling it the strongest part of the film. His portrayal of Tommy Shelby remains compelling even when the story around him falters.
Some also appreciate the darker wartime tone and the attempt to give the story a final chapter. A viewer on X shared, “Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man was damn near perfect bubbas.” Another noted a specific moment of excitement, saying, “Thomas Shelby, at the 46 min, 16 seconds of the Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man movie, brought back a little excitement I used to get while watching the series.”
The Divide Between Critics and Fans Grows
The reaction to The Immortal Man shows a clear split. Critics see a well-made film with strong acting and visual appeal. The critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes reads: “Capping off Tommy Shelby’s story with grit and swagger, The Immortal Man is a satisfying conclusion to Peaky Blinders that also stands tall on its own self-contained terms.”
But fans, especially those who followed the series for years, expected something deeper. For them, the film feels like a shortened version of a much bigger story. One viewer captured the mixed feelings perfectly: “I very much enjoyed it but felt there were a few decisions that didn’t sit right with me and some that made Tommy feel out of character. Also didn’t feel like it was a big finale of a 6 season series which I knew would be hard to do in a single film.”
Even before release, Paul Anderson hinted at this concern, saying he wished the story had more time. That feeling now echoes across fan discussions. Some viewers are choosing to see the series finale as the true ending, calling the movie an optional extra rather than a required conclusion.
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