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Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel (2021) is a masterful historical drama that brings to life a 14th-century French trial by combat with visceral intensity and intellectual depth. Rated an impressive 8.3/10, this film combines a Rashomon-style narrative with stunning visuals and powerhouse performances to explore themes of honor, justice, and truth. Anchored by Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Jodie Comer, The Last Duel offers a gripping glimpse into medieval France while challenging modern audiences to reflect on gender, power, and perspective. In this 2000-word review, we’ll delve into the film’s plot, characters, themes, historical accuracy, and cinematic achievements, optimized for SEO to reach fans searching for insights on The Last Duel.

Overview of The Last Duel

Released in 2021, The Last Duel is directed by Ridley Scott, a filmmaker renowned for historical epics like Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven. Based on Eric Jager’s book The Last Duel: A True Story of Crime, Scandal, and Trial by Combat, the film recounts the real-life feud between knight Jean de Carrouges and squire Jacques Le Gris, culminating in one of France’s final judicial duels in 1386. With a runtime of 152 minutes, the film employs a triptych narrative structure, presenting the same events from three perspectives to unravel a complex tale of accusation and betrayal.

The cast is exceptional, featuring Matt Damon as Carrouges, Adam Driver as Le Gris, Jodie Comer as Marguerite de Carrouges, and Ben Affleck as the cunning Pierre d’Alençon. Scott’s direction, paired with Dariusz Wolski’s cinematography and Harry Gregson-Williams’ haunting score, creates a film that is both a visual spectacle and a profound meditation on truth. Its blend of historical fidelity and modern relevance makes it a standout in the genre.

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Plot Summary: A Tale of Three Truths

Set in 1386 Normandy, The Last Duel centers on the bitter rivalry between Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon), a loyal but prideful knight, and Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver), a charismatic squire favored by their lord, Pierre d’Alençon (Ben Affleck). The story unfolds through three perspectives—Carrouges’, Le Gris’, and Marguerite’s—each offering a distinct version of events leading to a historic duel. The catalyst is Marguerite’s (Jodie Comer) accusation against Le Gris, which sparks a public scandal and a trial by combat to determine the truth.

The Rashomon-style structure reveals how pride, ambition, and patriarchal norms shape each character’s worldview. Carrouges’ narrative emphasizes duty and betrayal, Le Gris’ highlights cunning and privilege, and Marguerite’s exposes the personal cost of speaking out in a male-dominated society. The film meticulously builds tension, culminating in a brutal duel that is both a physical and moral reckoning.

Without spoilers, the plot balances character drama with historical context, using shifting perspectives to keep viewers engaged. The nonlinear storytelling challenges assumptions, making The Last Duel a compelling exploration of subjective truth and justice.

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Stellar Cast and Nuanced Performances

The ensemble of The Last Duel delivers performances that elevate the film’s emotional and thematic weight. Matt Damon’s Jean de Carrouges is a study in stoic intensity, portraying a gruff, honor-bound knight whose pride masks deep insecurities. Damon’s physicality and raw emotion make Carrouges both sympathetic and flawed, grounding the film’s historical setting.

Adam Driver’s Jacques Le Gris is a charismatic counterpoint, exuding charm and ambition. Driver imbues Le Gris with complexity, blending suavity with menace to create a character who is both alluring and unsettling. His dynamic with Damon fuels the film’s central conflict, their rivalry crackling with tension.

Jodie Comer’s Marguerite de Carrouges is the heart of the film, delivering a fierce, emotionally resonant performance. Comer captures Marguerite’s courage and vulnerability, navigating the era’s patriarchal constraints with nuance. Her perspective, presented last, reframes the narrative, making her a standout in a male-driven story.

Ben Affleck’s Pierre d’Alençon adds a layer of cynical wit, his flamboyant portrayal contrasting the film’s grim tone. Supporting roles, including Harriet Walter as Carrouges’ mother, enhance the ensemble’s depth. The cast’s chemistry and commitment to their roles make every perspective compelling.

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Themes: Honor, Justice, and Gender Dynamics

The Last Duel is a rich exploration of honor, justice, and the elusive nature of truth. The Rashomon-style narrative underscores how personal biases shape perceptions, challenging viewers to question whose version of events is “correct.” The film critiques the medieval code of honor, revealing how it prioritizes male ego over fairness, particularly in Carrouges’ and Le Gris’ feud.

Gender dynamics are central, with Marguerite’s perspective exposing the systemic misogyny of 14th-century France. Her accusation, and the societal scrutiny it invites, highlights the risks women faced in challenging powerful men. The film draws parallels to modern conversations about gender and justice, making it resonate with contemporary audiences.

The theme of justice is complicated by the trial by combat, a practice rooted in the belief that divine will determines the victor. This raises questions about whether justice can ever be achieved in a flawed system. The Last Duel invites reflection on these issues without preaching, letting the story’s complexity speak for itself.

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Historical Accuracy and Educational Value

Based on Eric Jager’s meticulously researched book, The Last Duel is grounded in the real events of 1386, when Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris faced off in France’s last sanctioned trial by combat. The film accurately depicts the era’s social hierarchy, legal customs, and knightly culture, from the feudal obligations of lords to the brutal realities of medieval warfare.

Details like period costumes, armor, and castle interiors enhance authenticity, while the script incorporates historical records of the trial. The film takes some creative liberties—condensing timelines and amplifying character motivations—but remains faithful to the event’s core. Marguerite’s role, drawn from limited historical accounts, is expanded to give voice to an often-overlooked figure.

For history enthusiasts, The Last Duel offers a vivid window into 14th-century France, making it both entertaining and educational. It sparks curiosity about medieval justice and gender roles, encouraging viewers to explore the era further.

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Cinematic Achievements: Visuals, Sound, and Direction

Ridley Scott’s direction is a triumph, blending gritty realism with operatic grandeur. His experience with historical epics shines through in the film’s pacing, which balances intimate character moments with sprawling battle sequences. The triptych structure is seamlessly executed, with subtle visual cues distinguishing each perspective.

Dariusz Wolski’s cinematography is breathtaking, capturing medieval France’s harsh beauty. Gritty battle scenes, filmed with handheld cameras, immerse viewers in the chaos of combat, while opulent castle interiors evoke the era’s wealth and power. The climactic duel is a visual masterpiece, its visceral choreography amplifying the stakes.

Harry Gregson-Williams’ score complements the film’s tone, with somber strings and percussion underscoring the drama. Sound design, from clashing swords to the roar of crowds, enhances immersion. Scott’s ability to marry technical prowess with emotional storytelling makes The Last Duel a cinematic gem.

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Why The Last Duel Resonates Today

Despite its 14th-century setting, The Last Duel feels strikingly relevant in 2025. Its exploration of gender, power, and truth aligns with ongoing societal conversations, particularly around women’s voices and systemic injustice. The Rashomon-style narrative mirrors modern debates about perspective in media and politics, making the film a timely reflection on how stories are told.

The film’s performances, particularly Comer’s, have earned critical acclaim, cementing its status as a modern classic. Its box-office performance in 2021, though modest, was bolstered by strong word-of-mouth and streaming success on platforms like HBO Max. Social media discussions, with hashtags like #TheLastDuel and #JodieComer, highlight its cultural impact.

For fans of historical dramas, The Last Duel offers a compelling blend of spectacle and substance. Its nuanced characters and thought-provoking themes make it a standout in Ridley Scott’s filmography.

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Where to Watch The Last Duel

As of May 2025, The Last Duel is available on streaming platforms like HBO Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video (check regional availability). Digital rentals are offered on Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube, while DVD/Blu-ray copies are widely available. For the best experience, watch in high definition to appreciate the film’s visuals.

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