TL;DR: Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is the gritty, cinematic conclusion to the Shelby saga, now set against the backdrop of WWII. It is not for kids. It’s a hard "R" for brutal violence, heavy smoking/drinking, and complex moral ambiguity. If your teen (16+) has already watched the Peaky Blinders show, they’ll be beating down your door to see this. If they haven't, this isn't the place to start.
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Screenwise Parents
See allAfter six seasons of Birmingham razor-gang warfare, Cillian Murphy returns as Tommy Shelby in this feature-film finale. While the series focused on the aftermath of WWI, The Immortal Man jumps forward into the chaos of World War II.
The title isn't literal—Tommy isn't a superhero (though some of those TikTok "Sigma" edits might make it seem that way). It refers to the enduring, almost haunting legacy of the Shelby name and Tommy’s inability to find peace. Expect high-production values, incredible costumes, and a lot of "cool" guys walking in slow motion away from explosions.
If you’ve seen your teen’s social media feed lately, you’ve probably seen Tommy Shelby. He is the poster child for the "Sigma Male" or "Literally Me" trend—characters who are stoic, powerful, and deeply troubled.
Teenagers, especially boys, are drawn to the aesthetic of the "Peaky" world. It’s about power, loyalty, and looking sharp while being the smartest person in the room. But there’s a gap between the "cool" edits they see on TikTok and the actual narrative of the show, which is a tragedy about a man whose soul is being eroded by his own ambition.
Learn more about how TikTok trends influence teen media choices
Let’s be real: this movie is a vibe, but it’s a violent one. Here’s the breakdown of what you’re actually letting into your living room:
This isn't cartoon violence. It’s visceral. We’re talking about the trademark "razor blades in the hat" slashing, point-blank shootings, and the added brutality of WWII combat. It’s stylized, yes, but it’s designed to make you wince.
If there was a "tobacco-free" version of this movie, it would be four minutes long. Tommy Shelby is rarely seen without a cigarette or a glass of whiskey. In the context of the 1940s, it’s historically accurate, but it definitely glamorizes the "troubled smoker" aesthetic.
The movie deals with the rise of fascism and the horrors of the Nazi regime. It’s heavy stuff. If your kid isn't prepared for the emotional weight of the Holocaust or the Blitz, this might be too much "real world" darkness for them.
If your 13 or 14-year-old wants that "gritty history" feel but isn't ready for the Shelby level of trauma, check these out:
- A masterpiece of cinematography. It’s intense and violent (it’s a war movie, after all), but it lacks the nihilistic "gangster" glorification of Peaky Blinders.
- Also starring Cillian Murphy! It’s PG-13 and captures the scale of WWII without the constant profanity and organized crime elements.
- If they like the historical costumes and the "chess match" of power, this is a much more satirical (though still very mature) take on history.
- For the teen who loves the "smartest guy in the room" trope without the razor blades.
If you decide your older teen is ready for The Immortal Man, don't just let them watch it in a vacuum. Use it as a bridge for some actual conversations.
- The Anti-Hero Trap: Ask them, "Is Tommy Shelby actually a hero?" Talk about how someone can be the protagonist of a story but still be a "bad" person. This is a great way to build media literacy.
- The Cost of War: Since the movie bridges the gap between the two World Wars, talk about PTSD (or "shell shock" as they called it then). How did Tommy’s experiences in the trenches of WWI dictate his behavior in this movie?
- Aesthetic vs. Reality: Acknowledge that the suits and the music are cool, but point out the consequences. Every time Tommy "wins," who loses? Usually, it's the people he claims to love.
If your family is into history, use the movie as a jumping-off point for some deep dives. The Peaky Blinders were a real gang, though the show takes massive liberties.
- Read: The Real Peaky Blinders by Carl Chinn is a fascinating look at the actual history of Birmingham gangs.
- Watch: Compare the Shelby version of WWII with a more grounded documentary like The World at War.
- Explore: If they love the strategy and "empire building" aspect, maybe steer them toward a strategy game like Civilization VI where they can build an empire without the crime spree.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is a stunning, violent, and deeply adult conclusion to a beloved series.
- Ages 0-14: Absolutely not. Too much "brain rot" potential if they just mimic the behavior without understanding the context.
- Ages 15-16: Use your judgment. If they’ve seen the show, they’ll be fine, but be ready to talk about the themes.
- Ages 17+: This is their "Endgame." Let them enjoy the cinematography and the acting, but keep the conversation open about the "Sigma" stuff.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the "Shelby-fication" of your teen's wardrobe or attitude, take a breath. It’s a phase, but it’s one that benefits from a parent who knows the difference between a cool hat and a toxic ideology.
If you haven't already, take the Screenwise Survey to see how your family's media consumption compares to other intentional parents in your community. We can help you navigate the transition from "Disney+" to "Hard-R Dramas" without losing your mind.