The Immortal Man (2025) – A Myth in the Making

I. PLOT OVERVIEW

The Immortal Man (2025) is a gripping, atmospheric war drama that explores the psychological toll of survival in the aftermath of World War I. The story follows Thomas Vexley (played by Cillian Murphy), a soldier who defied death during the war, becoming a living myth whispered about in the trenches and dark alleys of a broken Europe. He was never meant to survive, but now, he is the one no one can kill.

Vexley, hardened by battle and haunted by the dead, walks the postwar underworld, carrying a gun in one hand and a terrible secret in the other. As rival factions hunt him across war-torn cities and collapsing empires, Vexley must decide whether to stay in the shadows or rise as a ghost who could lead a revolution. But immortality, though it saves him from death, does not free him from time’s relentless grasp.

As Vexley contemplates his future, he faces the ultimate dilemma: can he live with the consequences of his actions, or will the weight of his past drag him into the abyss? As he confronts his enemies and his own personal demons, time becomes his true enemy—even immortality has a cost.

II. THEMES & EMOTIONAL DEPTH

The Immortal Man explores the deeply emotional and philosophical themes of survival, guilt, and redemption. Vexley’s immortality is portrayed not as a gift, but as a curse, as he grapples with the haunting consequences of living on long after his comrades have fallen. The film examines the trauma of war, showing how the scars of battle extend far beyond the battlefield and into the mind of a man who is forced to live with the ghosts of the past.

The postwar underworld serves as a metaphor for Vexley’s personal journey, where he walks among the wreckage of civilization while carrying the weight of his own survival. The story asks difficult questions about what it means to live in a world that has already seen so much destruction. Can Vexley ever truly find peace, or will he always be bound to the war-torn cities that shaped him?

At its heart, the film is a study of moral ambiguity. Vexley is neither hero nor villain but a man caught in a grey area, constantly wrestling with whether he should embrace his immortality to fight for justice or fade into obscurity, hiding from the world that would rather forget him. The theme of legacy is also explored, as Vexley’s actions influence the future of a Europe rebuilding from the ashes of war.

III. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE

• Cillian Murphy as Thomas Vexley: Cillian Murphy delivers a captivating performance as Thomas Vexley, a man who has lived through the brutality of war and emerged as a figure of legend. Murphy brings depth and vulnerability to the role, perfectly capturing Vexley’s internal struggle with the consequences of his immortality. Vexley is both stoic and haunted, with Murphy expertly portraying the psychological toll of survival. His gritty realism and emotional intensity make Vexley a compelling character—a man bound by his past, yet driven by the need to find meaning in his immortal existence.
• Charlize Theron as Amelia Vexley: Charlize Theron plays Amelia, Vexley’s estranged wife, who has lived through the years of war in fear of losing her husband. Amelia is deeply affected by Vexley’s transformation into a man who cannot die. She must wrestle with her love for him and the growing belief that he is no longer the man she once knew. Theron brings strength and vulnerability to the role, capturing the emotional turmoil of a woman who has lost both her husband and the possibility of a normal life. Her performance adds a significant emotional dimension to the film as she grapples with the question of whether or not to accept her husband’s immortal fate.
• Michael Fassbender as General Rainer: Michael Fassbender portrays General Rainer, a ruthless officer who has tracked Vexley across Europe in pursuit of the secret to his immortality. Rainer is the embodiment of the war’s brutality and the cold, calculating forces of militarism. Fassbender’s performance as Rainer is chilling and intense, adding a layer of moral conflict to the film. His character is both a shadowy antagonist and a reflection of Vexley’s own struggle, as both men must come to terms with the cost of survival in a fractured world.
• Lupita Nyong’o as Evelyn Pierce: Lupita Nyong’o plays Evelyn Pierce, a former revolutionary leader who becomes an ally to Vexley. Evelyn is a brilliant strategist and a woman with a deep understanding of both the cost of war and the need for a revolution. Nyong’o brings intelligence, strength, and empathy to the role, offering Vexley both guidance and companionship as they form an uneasy alliance. Evelyn’s character represents the idealism of the revolution and the difficult choice between survival and changing the world.
• Ben Mendelsohn as Alexander Volkov: Ben Mendelsohn plays Alexander Volkov, a former war profiteer turned underground arms dealer who becomes a key figure in Vexley’s journey. Volkov’s character brings a morally grey aspect to the film, as he provides resources for Vexley’s cause but also has his own agenda. Mendelsohn portrays Volkov with a mixture of cynicism, charm, and manipulation, making him a character that adds complexity to the story’s moral landscape.

IV. CINEMATOGRAPHY AND DIRECTION

Directed by David Mackenzie, The Immortal Man takes full advantage of the ravaged, postwar landscapes of Europe. The film uses stunning aerial shots of ruined cities and desolate battlefields to emphasize the collapse of civilization. Mackenzie’s direction highlights the emotional and physical isolation of Vexley’s world, capturing both the vastness and emptiness of the terrain in which he moves.

The action sequences are meticulously choreographed, with tight, intense scenes that bring a raw edge to the story. The use of natural lighting contrasts the bright daylight scenes with dark, shadowy interiors, creating an eerie atmosphere that mirrors the psychological tension Vexley faces. The camera work brings the audience into Vexley’s world, with close-up shots that allow for emotional connection and wide-angle shots that remind us of the larger forces at play.

The score, composed by Max Richter, blends classical orchestration with subtle electronic elements to evoke both the tragic beauty of Europe’s ruins and the psychological torment of Vexley. The music swells during moments of action, rebellion, and triumph, but equally diminishes in quieter moments, reflecting the deep internal struggle of Vexley’s immortal existence.

V. FINAL VERDICT

The Immortal Man (2025) is a haunting, thought-provoking, and emotionally intense film that blends historical drama, warfare, and psychological depth. With strong performances from Cillian Murphy, Charlize Theron, and Michael Fassbender, the film captures the psychological toll of immortality and the battle for identity in the aftermath of war.

Directed by David Mackenzie, the film is visually stunning, with breathtaking cinematography and a gripping soundtrack by Max Richter that elevates the emotional stakes. The Immortal Man is a character-driven narrative that asks profound questions about legacy, redemption, and the consequences of survival in a world broken by war.

Rating: 9/10
A powerful, gripping film that delves deep into the complexities of survival, redemption, and the cost of immortality, The Immortal Man is a must-watch for fans of war dramas with psychological depth and historical significance.