Netflix has bolstered its UK catalogue with one of the most powerful historical dramas of recent years. Ridley Scott's 'The Last Duel', a brutal and meticulously crafted epic, is now available for streaming.
The film plunges viewers into 14th century France, recounting the harrowing true story that led to the nation's last officially sanctioned judicial duel. When Marguerite de Carrouges (Jodie Comer) bravely accuses squire Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) of assault, her husband, knight Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon), challenges the accused to a mortal combat.
A Stellar Cast Brings History to Life
Boasting an all-star lineup, the film features Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Jodie Comer in career-defining performances. Ben Affleck also delivers a memorable supporting role as the manipulative Count Pierre d'Alençon.
The narrative is uniquely structured, presenting the same events from three distinct perspectives—a Rashomon-style approach that deepens the mystery and highlights the complexities of truth and memory.
Critical Acclaim and Historical Authenticity
While the film initially struggled at the box office, it has since been recognised as a cinematic triumph. Critics have praised its uncompromising direction, stunning cinematography, and powerful performances, particularly Comer's portrayal of a woman fighting for justice in a patriarchal world.
Ridley Scott's direction is typically grand, with breathtaking battle sequences and meticulously recreated medieval settings. The climactic duel itself is a masterclass in tension and brutal realism, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.
For subscribers seeking a thought-provoking, visually stunning, and emotionally charged film, 'The Last Duel' is an essential watch now available on Netflix UK.
