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Peaky Blinders: 4 Scenes Where Cillian Murphy's Took His Acting to Next Level

Peaky Blinders: 4 Scenes Where Cillian Murphy's Took His Acting to Next Level
Image credit: BBC

Cillian Murphy is fantastic as Oppenheimer, but it's in Peaky Blinders where he truly owned the show.

Peaky Blinders concluded more than a year ago on its sixth season. If you watched the series, you already know how intense and gripping the show can get. A huge part of that owes to Cillian Murphy 's absolutely brilliant portrayal of Tommy Shelby.

Here are the most unforgettable moments when Cillian Murphy left us all with our jaws dropped.

When Alfie Crossed the Line

Combined with Tom Hardy 's brilliant portrayal of Alfie Solomons, the dynamic between him and Tommy Shelby is like watching a ticking time bomb. That moment when Tommy learns Alfie's betrayal led to his son's abduction was just heart-stopping.

Alfie argues that they are both wicked to the core, implying that there's no "line" to be crossed for men like them. And in that intense exchange, the tension is palpable thanks to both actors’ brilliant performance.

When Tommy Almost Died

The season 2 climax had us all on the edge of our seats. Tommy's abduction by The Red Right Hand and the sight of a pre-dug grave had us fearing the worst.

With his sheer calmness with which Tommy faces his seemingly imminent death, uttering “I was so f***ing close,”, you can't help but feel for the guy. Tommy survives, and Cillian Murphy perfectly nails the emotions of a person who faced his death but luckily ends up alive.

Tommy and Polly's Showdown with the Nun

The Shelby family has their dark side, no doubt. But sometimes they face folks who make even their deeds seem tame. Watching Tommy and Polly take the cruel nun mistreating orphans down a notch felt really satisfying.

Cillian Murphy’s ability to be intimidating is at its best in this scene.

When Tommy Lost Grace

It's said that pain brings out the best in an actor, and Murphy proves this to be true. When Grace, Tommy's beloved, is fatally shot early in season 2, our hearts shattered watching Tommy's reaction.

The anguish, the hopelessness — it all feels so real. After losing Grace, a noticeable change comes over Tommy. And it is a big merit of Cillian Murphy.