Fans of iconic filmmaker Ridley Scott and his cult classic Gladiator are in for a treat, because another film by the director is giving his original period war masterpiece a run for its money. With a screenplay penned by Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Nicole Holofcener, the 2021 epic historical war drama The Last Duel has enthralled critics and audiences worldwide, earning glowing praise from all quarters. It is now streaming on Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.
Plot and Cast
Based on true events, the film's official plot summary states: "Jean de Carrouges is a respected knight known for his bravery and skill on the battlefield. Jacques Le Gris is a Norman squire whose intelligence and eloquence make him one of the most admired nobles in court. The two knights must fight to the death after Carrouges's wife, Marguerite, accuses Le Gris of assault. The ensuing trial by combat, a gruelling duel to the death, places the fate of all three in God's hands."
The film stars Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) in the titular role, alongside Adam Driver and Damon. Affleck also has a supporting role, joined by Harriet Walter, Alex Lawther, and Serena Kennedy to round out a stellar supporting cast. Filmed in France and Ireland, Scott's epic period drama is one that most people haven't heard of, owing to its release during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in October 2021.
Critical Acclaim
Garnering largely positive reviews from both critics and audiences, The Last Duel has made its mark, especially in the period war drama genre. One critic said: "A brutal, harrowing, intriguing, stunningly well-made film that will linger in your thoughts for quite some time." Another reviewer lavished praise on the director: "Ridley Scott delivers one of his best works in years with this brutal, righteous, superbly acted historical drama."
A third critic noted: "With the stakes set so high, Scott rises to the challenge and delivers a brutal, visceral 'last duel' with complex narrative designs and a phenomenal carousel of performances." While one reviewer simply declared: "Trust us when we say this is a cinematic epic."
Audience Reactions
Audience reviews follow a similar vein. One fan said: "A classic Ridley Scott work. A masterpiece." Another viewer wrote: "Brilliant historic epic, beautifully filmed and captivating characters. If you like historical dramas, this is a great film for you."
A glowing IMDb user review states: "Ridley Scott is the Master of this Genre for a reason. Best director you can find for this kind of visual storytelling is Ridley Scott, and believe me, he's still top of his game. To be honest, I don't think that Gladiator was a best picture because of Ridley's effort, I think it was Russell's incredible performance. But this movie shines because of Ridley's awesome visual style."
Another impressed audience member commented: "Scott certainly gives us a big, bloody and savage movie. Indeed of all his films, this could be the one most likely to appeal to fans of 'Gladiator'. It's a fantastic-looking film. There is so much about 'The Last Duel' that is smart, funny and totally unexpected that it just might turn out to be the most unlikely multiplex movie of the year."
An additional IMDb review states: "This is, I think it could be argued, in the absolute top tier of Ridley Scott's filmmaking oeuvre. More than that — and this might be more controversial, but I stand by it — I think it's his best film, and that it isn't close. This is a Rashomon-style multiple-viewpoints epic with lavish production values, superb acting across the board from a powerhouse cast, and supremely subtle and skilful directing. It is thoughtful, impactful cinema that should be part of the conversation about the best outings in historical filmmaking."
The Last Duel is available to stream on Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.
