Peaky Blinders: The Real Story Documentary Film Review

Directed by: Robin Bextor

Starring: Andrew Insol

Documentary Film Review by: Patrick Foley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Few TV shows have ever genuinely managed to attain cultural phenomenon status. But when you have bars, whiskeys and festivals named in your honour, and a haircut and dress sense that instantly scream the name of your show (as well as ‘bit of a prick…’), it is fair to say you are worthy of the term. It is therefore impressive that Peaky Blinders – The Real Story manages to find an original angle at which to discuss Steven Knight’s epic historical drama.

This #documentary delves into the history of Birmingham and the real-life gangs that inspired Peaky Blinders. Highlighting the conditions that blighted the working class and created conditions in which gangs could thrive, it brings to life the Tommy Shelbys of the day and dissects their actions and motivations, as well as their enigmatic natures that inspire interest a century later. The film also compares the show to epic westerns and gangster classics that inspired it – providing an effective explanation of the show’s high regard and the justification behind the hype.

Sometimes, when shows or media become such a spectacle, it can be easy to forget why they became so successful in the first place. Peaky Blinders has transcended television, becoming a cultural signifier of everything from modern masculinity, fashion and cheap booze. So, on the eve of the upcoming movie sequel The Immortal Man, this hour-long documentary is a great reminder of how great the original series is and why it spawned such a following.

Using comparison footage from the original series as well as its inspirations, it provides an informed contextualising of the show as a period drama and gangster epic, demonstrating how the same energies and themes that permeate throughout classics like The Godfather or Once Upon a Time in the West are present in Peaky Blinders, whilst remaining truthful to the setting of a post-WW1 Birmingham. It is not just a tour of what works, but an interrogation of why it works as well – and may trigger revelations about the show that even hardcore fans would not have otherwise picked up on.

The film is told largely through archival footage of historic Birmingham, clips from the show and other films, and interview footage throughout – all accompanied by the wizened narration of Andrew Insol. The contributions of showrunner Steven Knight are particularly invaluable for a background of the production and writing of the show. Around half way through, local historian Carl Chinn takes central stage to detail the show’s relation to historic Birmingham. His passion and understanding of the local area shine through, particularly in adding context to the interwar years in the city and why the real gangs themselves emerged. There is an extended section wherein he highlights the changing of backgrounds to certain characters in the show based on real people, which raises the point that their local heritage is altered in the show without really digging into why – which leaves the viewer longing.

Peaky Blinders – The Real Story is not just some whistlestop tour of historic murderers and robbers. By examining the development and writing of the show, the legacy context of its creation, and the historic bolstering that provided its source, it is a fine piece of media analysis that cuts through the many bells and whistles attached to the brand and acts as a reminder of what a refined and unique show Peaky Blinders is.

Peaky Blinders: The Real Story is on UK digital 23 February from Reel2Reel Films.

Peaky Blinders: The Real Story (2026) | Official Trailer