Exploring Cillian Murphy's Cinematic Legacy Beyond Tommy Shelby
With the release of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man on Netflix, Cillian Murphy reprises his iconic role as Birmingham gangster Tommy Shelby for what may be the character's final chapter. In this new feature film, Tommy emerges from self-imposed exile to confront his volatile son Erasmus 'Duke' Shelby, played by Barry Keoghan, who has taken control of the family gang and entered a dangerous arrangement with Nazi forgers.
While this film serves as a potential conclusion to Tommy Shelby's story, it precedes two upcoming seasons of Peaky Blinders that will introduce a new generation of criminals in post-World War II Birmingham. As fans bid farewell to one of Murphy's most memorable roles, now is the perfect time to explore the actor's diverse filmography beyond the Shelby family saga.
1. Steve - Netflix
For viewers seeking more of Murphy's compelling performances immediately after watching The Immortal Man, Steve offers another powerful leading role on the same platform. In this adaptation of Max Porter's novel Shy, Murphy portrays the headmaster of a school for boys with behavioral difficulties. Co-starring Jay Lycurgo, the film has been praised for its emotional depth, with one IMDb reviewer describing the performances as "Oscar-worthy" and "truly heartbreaking." Another viewer called it a "must-see" film that leaves audiences "deeply moved and utterly captivated."
2. Small Things Like These - Prime Video
Another recent Murphy-led film that deserves attention is Small Things Like These, adapted from Claire Keegan's bestselling novel. This quietly devastating drama features Murphy as a coal merchant and father in a small Irish town who uncovers horrifying truths within a local convent. The film showcases Murphy's ability to deliver understated yet commanding performances, with one enthusiastic reviewer insisting it "deserves far more recognition" as "a brilliant piece of art" combining emotional depth with psychological horror.
3. Inception - Available on Sky and NOW
Transitioning from intimate dramas to blockbuster spectacle, Inception remains one of the most mind-bending films of the 21st century. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this cinematic masterpiece features Murphy in a pivotal role alongside Leonardo DiCaprio as the heir to a business empire whose subconscious becomes the target of dream-infiltrating criminals. Reviewers have called it "a one-of-a-kind mind-blowing masterpiece" that represents one of Nolan's greatest achievements. Murphy's collaboration with Nolan would later culminate in his Oscar and BAFTA-winning performance in Oppenheimer.
4. 28 Days Later - Available on Sky and NOW
One of Murphy's breakthrough roles that propelled him to fame came in Danny Boyle's gripping British zombie film 28 Days Later. Murphy portrays a coma patient who awakens to find the UK devastated by a rage-inducing virus, with only a handful of survivors remaining. Described by fans as "a modern classic," the film has been praised for perfectly capturing the confusion of contemporary times. For those who appreciate this film, the recent sequels 28 Years Later and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple offer further exploration of this dystopian universe.
5. Red Eye - Paramount+
Among Murphy's most overlooked performances is his role in the intense thriller Red Eye, directed by horror maestro Wes Craven. This wildly entertaining psychological horror features Murphy alongside Rachel McAdams and Brian Cox in a story about a trapped passenger facing a terrorist plot during a red-eye flight from Dallas to Miami. Released in 2005, the film has developed a significant cult following, with one enthusiast declaring it raised their "blood pressure sky high" and calling it "one of Wes Craven's best to date."
As Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man continues streaming on Netflix, these five films demonstrate Cillian Murphy's remarkable range as an actor beyond his iconic portrayal of Tommy Shelby. From intimate character studies to blockbuster spectacles, each performance showcases different facets of his considerable talent, offering viewers a comprehensive appreciation of one of contemporary cinema's most compelling actors.
