Oscar-nominated Ridley Scott’s historical epic The Last Duel is an exceptionally well-made movie but it’s a tough watch due to its subject matter and how it is depicted. This seems a common observation made by many reviewers of this tale set in 14th century France. It’s also the view of the team here at Zip.
Due to its violence, some of which is sexual in nature, it has earned its R rating.
Shot with gloomy tones, The Last Duel centres on the rape of a young woman played by British actress Jodie Comer which is “resolved” through a duel to the death between two knights played by Matt Damon and Adam Driver. The story is told through differing perspectives on how the rape occurred through the three main characters played by the aforementioned actors.
Also featured onscreen is Damon’s longtime friend Ben Affleck who also co-wrote the film with Damon and screenwriter Nicole Holofcener. All three also earned producer credits.
Filmed in Ireland and France, The Last Duel is based on actual events as depicted in the 2004 book written by American author Eric Jager.
But The Last Duel tanked at the box office, falling way short of making back its $100 million budget, something that veteran Scott put down to changing appetites among younger generations more interested in their smartphones.
The Last Duel was first seen in theatres in late 2021 and can now be watched via various digital platforms. You can read some review samples below.
JUDGEMENT
“The subject matter of The Last Duel doesn’t necessarily lend itself to repeat viewings, as essentially a medieval #MeToo film, but the cast certainly lifts things and fans of Ridley Scott’s harsh histories will find things to admire. The film is stuck between being too heavy-handed to be showered in awards and admiration, but also not trashy enough to be inadvertently entertaining or tongue in cheek enough to be a fun-filled romp. It offers moments of each but ultimately doesn’t dazzle in any.” Tori Brazier, Metro
“The beautifully made and flamboyant films by Ridley Scott that have become contemporary classics, like Alien, Blade Runner, Thelma & Louise, and Gladiator, are compelling to this day. His latest film is a shift away from his usual strenuous narrative style but is still inhabited with distinctly drawn and colourful characters, in a tussle over right and wrong.” Jane Freebury, Canberra Times
“The filmmakers’ ultimate achievement isn’t presenting a story you will like but one you will appreciate. It is in presenting the concept ‘believe half of what you see and none of what you hear’. It also makes clear that one can be unlikeable yet honorable and evil can be buried just below the surface of beguiling charm.” Michael Clark, The Epoch Times
“But it’s also a very heavy-handed film that almost shouts its feminist sympathies. You end up admiring The Last Duel more for its formalist and structural building blocks— and you can see the seams of how it’s put together—than for any emotional impact. It’s Comer who saves it from being a cold, intellectual exercise in storytelling. The subtle modulations in her performance within each segment is more effective than the film’s violent ending.” Wenlei Ma, news.com.au
“This bloody medieval sword fight movie’s three-chapter structure is both an asset and a hindrance. At times, it seems to deepen the story, but it also feels repetitive and moves in graceless, blocky chunks. Directed by Ridley Scott, The Last Duel resembles some of his other ancient-times battle movies in that it’s serious and clunky, with action that’s more forceful and clumsy than exciting.” Jeffrey M. Anderson, Common Sense Media
“Scott has never shied away from the more gruesome aspects of whatever story he happens to be telling and this time the savagery is extreme, clanking armour and all. But worse is the psychological savagery underpinning Marguerite’s trial, based as it is on the premise that a married woman is the property of her husband. So much for the Age of Chivalry.” Sandra Hall, The Sydney Morning Herald
