The Immortal Man (2025) is a cerebral sci-fi thriller that explores the burden of eternal life, the fragility of memory, and what it truly means to be human. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the film is haunting, poetic, and unafraid to tackle deep philosophical questions beneath its sleek, futuristic surface.
Set in the year 2091, the story follows Elias Voss (played by Cillian Murphy), a reclusive geneticist who has lived for over 2,000 years thanks to an ancient biotechnology he once discovered—and now regrets unleashing. Known only in myths and classified reports as “the Immortal Man,” Elias hides in the shadows of megacities, trying to atone for centuries of war, heartbreak, and scientific abuses carried out in his name.
When a young journalist, Lira Aven (Florence Pugh), uncovers clues to his existence, she tracks him down for a story that could shake the world. But Elias warns her: immortality is not a gift—it’s a curse. As they dig deeper, they uncover a secret organization that seeks to replicate Elias’s immortality and sell it to the highest bidder, risking a new era of inequality and chaos.
The Immortal Man stands out with its moody tone and reflective pacing. It’s not a typical action-packed sci-fi—though it contains moments of tension and stunning visuals—it’s more a meditation on time, regret, and the impermanence of meaning. Murphy delivers a quiet, tormented performance that anchors the film. His character is both godlike and profoundly broken.
Florence Pugh provides a vital counterbalance—curious, idealistic, and unafraid to challenge Elias’s worldview. Their dynamic becomes the heart of the story, as teacher and student, skeptic and believer, past and future.
Visually, the film is stunning. Wide cityscapes contrast with ancient memories; silence plays as loudly as dialogue. Villeneuve’s signature style—long takes, minimal score, and immersive worldbuilding—gives the story weight and atmosphere.
More than a film about immortality, The Immortal Man is about what we do with the time we have—and whether forever is too long to carry a soul.
