The Last Duel is a gripping historical drama directed by Ridley Scott, released in 2021. This brutal and sobering examination of justice, truth, and reputation in medieval France recounts the story of the last legally sanctioned trial by combat in French history. Structured as a Rashomon-style narrative, the film presents three conflicting perspectives of the same events, blending medieval epic storytelling with a sharp character study. Visually striking and thematically rich, The Last Duel is both a visceral action film and a searing commentary on power, gender, and the nature of truth.
Historical Context
Set in 1386, the film centres on Jean de Carrouges, a knight who challenges his former friend Jacques Le Gris to a duel after Carrouges’ wife, Marguerite, accuses Le Gris of rape. This judicial duel, fought to the death, was a real historical event, reflecting a time when divine intervention was believed to determine guilt or innocence.
The film is based on Eric Jager’s non-fiction book, The Last Duel: A True Story of Trial by Combat in Medieval France, which meticulously reconstructs the events leading to the duel.
Production & Filmmaking
Ridley Scott, known for historical epics like Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven, returned to medieval storytelling with an unflinching, raw depiction of 14th-century France.
- Screenplay: Written by Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Nicole Holofcener, the script employs a three-part narrative structure, retelling the same events from the perspectives of Jean de Carrouges, Jacques Le Gris, and Marguerite de Carrouges. This approach highlights how truth is distorted by power and gender.
- Filming Locations: Shot across France and Ireland, the production prioritised historical authenticity in armour, weaponry, and set design.
- Cinematography: The film’s muted colour palette and naturalistic lighting reinforce its grim, grounded tone.
Main Cast & Performances
| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Matt Damon | Jean de Carrouges | A proud but brutish knight, driven by honour and vengeance. Damon’s performance captures the character’s stubbornness and desperation. |
| Adam Driver | Jacques Le Gris | A charismatic and intelligent squire whose charm masks moral corruption. Driver delivers a layered portrayal of a man convinced of his own innocence. |
| Jodie Comer | Marguerite de Carrouges | The film’s emotional core, Marguerite’s perspective reveals the systemic misogyny of the era. Comer’s performance is powerful and heartbreaking. |
| Ben Affleck | Count Pierre d’Alençon | A cynical nobleman who manipulates events for political gain. Affleck brings dark humour and sleazy charisma to the role. |
The film’s fight choreography is brutal, realistic, and devoid of Hollywood glamour. The combat emphasises the weight and lethality of medieval weaponry, making every clash feel desperate and exhausting.
Combat & Historical Accuracy
Key Combat Elements
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Mounted Combat | The duel begins with a joust, showcasing the knights’ skill with lances. |
| Longsword Duel | The climactic fight is a gruelling, sweat-drenched struggle with historically accurate half-swording techniques (gripping the blade for leverage). |
| Grappling & Daggers | When the fight descends into close-quarters combat, rondel daggers are used in brutal, unflinching detail. |
| Armour Realism | The combatants wear full plate armour, with movements reflecting its restrictive weight. |
Weapons Used
- Longswords: Oakeshott Type XVIII or similar, with cruciform hilts.
- Rondel Daggers: Used for close-quarters killing.
- Lances & Warhorses: Authentic to 14th-century French cavalry.
Historical consultants ensured that every weapon and armour piece reflected late medieval warfare accurately.
Themes & Memorable Quotes
The Last Duel explores power, gender, and the subjectivity of truth.
Key Themes
- Justice vs. Reputation: The duel is less about truth and more about male pride.
- The Female Perspective: Marguerite’s account is dismissed, highlighting medieval misogyny.
- Divine Judgment: The belief that God would decide the victor underscores the fatalism of the era.
Notable Quotes
- “I am telling the truth.” – Marguerite’s repeated plea, emphasising her isolation.
- “God will decide.” – The fatalistic justification for the duel’s brutality.
- “A woman’s word is not worth the same as a man’s.” – A chilling reminder of the film’s central theme.
Critical Reception & Legacy
Despite underperforming at the box office (partly due to pandemic-era challenges), The Last Duel received widespread critical acclaim.
- Rotten Tomatoes: 85% critics score
- Praise For:
- Jodie Comer’s powerhouse performance
- The film’s unflinching historical realism
- Its bold, multi-perspective narrative
- Notable Reviews:
- “Ridley Scott’s best film since Gladiator.”
- “A medieval #MeToo story with modern resonance.”
Though not a commercial hit, it has gained a cult following and is increasingly recognised as one of Scott’s strongest works.
Where to Watch
As of now, The Last Duel is available on:
- HBO Max (US)
- Disney+ / Star (UK, Canada, Europe – regional availability varies)
- Amazon Prime Video (rent/purchase)
- Apple TV / iTunes (digital/4K UHD)
(Note: Availability may vary by region.)
The Last Duel is a masterful historical drama, blending visceral combat with a profound exploration of truth and power. Jodie Comer’s performance alone makes it essential viewing, while Ridley Scott’s direction ensures both spectacle and substance. A film that demands, and rewards, attention.
Watch the trailer:
