An anticipated return, but surrounded by challenges
Transforming a acclaimed series into a final film is never a simple task. The main challenge of The Immortal Man was balancing two distinct audiences: loyal fans who followed the journey for years and casual viewers who might watch the film without prior context.
The attempt to universalize the story
Steven Knight opts for a well-known narrative structure: the classic "retired hero returns to action" arc. While functional, this choice oversimplifies Tommy Shelby's complexity—a character always distinguished by his moral ambiguity. The result is a more predictable, less enigmatic protagonist that sometimes feels generic. For series followers, this change represents a significant loss of identity.
Between nostalgia and innovation
The film constantly tries to revisit past elements—visions, traumas, and familiar characters—while introducing new conflicts. However, this balancing act doesn't always work. Rather than complementing the narrative, many elements feel artificial or underdeveloped.
The plot: war, conspiracy, and family conflicts
Set in 1940 during World War II, the film uses Operation Bernhard—a real Nazi plan to destabilize the British economy—as its backdrop. We find Tommy living in self-exile, accompanied only by Johnny Dogs, still haunted by past traumas while attempting to find meaning by writing his biography. However, as expected, peace doesn't last long.
Duke: a problematic addition
The introduction of Duke as a central figure—played by Barry Keoghan—remains one of the narrative's most controversial points. Introduced late in the series, the character never had sufficient time to develop organically. In the film, this intensifies: Duke assumes a leadership position but lacks depth, with superficial motivations and convenient plot decisions.
Performances: the film's greatest asset
If anything keeps the film standing, it's its cast—especially Cillian Murphy. Despite an uneven script, Murphy delivers a magnetic performance. His presence is enough to elevate mediocre moments on paper.
After his success in Oppenheimer, the actor returns to the role that made him famous with absolute authority. His Tommy Shelby remains intense, silent, and burdened with pain—though the script limits his nuances.
Rebecca Ferguson and mysticism
Rebecca Ferguson brings charm with her character Kaula Chiriklo, adding an interesting mystical layer connected to the story's Romani roots. However, her narrative function remains limited.
