Another Stunner From Ridley Scott — Review Of The Last Duel (2021)
~ Voltaire, French philosopher and writer
Jodie Comer became one of my favourite actress after I watched her impressive performance as a psychopathic assassin in the spy thriller series, Killing Eve. I'm not sure if I've reviewed it on Hive but if you're an action/thriller fan, this series is worth watching.
Back to my recent find, imagine my surprise when I see this historical drama where she's featured alongside Matt Damon, Adam Driver and Ben Affleck. I didn't hesitate to dive into this two-and-half-hour film of action, betrayal, political intrigue and gory battle set in medieval France. At the core of this movie is an age-old theme.
This film is an adaptation of Eric Jager's book titled The Last Duel: A True Story of Crime, Scandal, and Trial by Combat in Medieval France. I've not read the book but I'm of the opinion that this film does it some justice especially since Ridley Scott is the man behind the wheels. He never goes wrong with his films—they are classics. He's great with historical dramas and sci-fi.
Structured into three chapters, The Last Duel (2021), tells the story of a good friendship that turns sour, leading to a fierce battle and a heartbreaking end. It's the 14th century in France, a period of strict patriarchy where women are subjugated to their men, and monarchy. Jean (Matt Damon) and Jacques (Adam Driver) are French squires and good friends, loyal to their liege, Count Pierre d'Alençon (Ben Affleck) and country.
After returning from the battlefield, Jean is almost arrested for a backlog of unpaid taxes. He was bankrupt. His friend, Jacques, comes to his rescue giving him more time to settle his taxes. To get out of debt and improve his status, Jean marries Marguerite de Thibouville (Jodie Comer), the daughter of a wealthy man but a traitor.
Things become tense between Jean and Jacques when Count Pierre seizes a valuable land that should have been Marguerite's dowry (and therefore Jean’s property by marriage) and gifts it to Jacques. After Jean returns from another battle, he learns that his so-called friend, Jacques, sexually assaulted his wife. This grievous act is the last straw, ending their friendship as Count Pierre declares a judicial duel, a trial by combat, to determine the true events and the guilt party.
Review
Just so you know, this film (and its book) are based on true events—a rape and the scandal that follows when the victim speaks out about it in medieval France. The plot is good and the storytelling is brilliant. I think Ridley Scott was smart to tell the story from three different perspectives — squire Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver), knight Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon), and Marguerite (Jodie Comer). This approach spotlights how perception shapes the truth. The manner a person sees an issue is often different from how another person views it.
Though these three stories are weaved together smoothly, it almost felt like a boring repetition when Jacques' chapter began. But seeing the event unfold through his eyes (and motive) is interesting. I particularly enjoyed Marguerite's chapter which proves to be the ‘truth’. Through her POV, the audience sees deception, betrayal and power play through her eyes.
The casting is brilliant and their performances are just as impressive. I'm especially proud of Comer—she’s bold in showcasing her talent and her acting future looks bright. She embodies Marguerite de Carrouges so perfectly that you would want to stand with her in this battle regardless of the outcome.
Without revealing much about her character, I'll say she was bold to speak up at a time when women were seen as mere chattels rather than as persons. Who would believe her? Even her mother-in-law tried to shut her down when she blurted, “The truth does not matter…there is only the power of men.” Yet Marguerite de Carrouges stood tall and maintained her stand as a victim who must be heard and given justice. Even in the present day that we posit as ‘modern’ time, issues like this are everywhere and the resolution is often always the same—silence her.
Matt Damon and Adam Driver deliver excellent performances. I'm not a fan of Ben Affleck but he evoked some reactions from me so I'll say he acted his role well. The final battle to determine the fate of Jean and Jacques is terrifyingly violent with some gore. The battle scenes had me on the edge of my seat. The cinematography is vivid and authentic.
Overall, I enjoyed The Last Duel and would definitely recommend it to historical drama fans. The storytelling, acting and visuals are impressive. I'd give it 4 stars out of 5.
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Other images are screenshots from the movie
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I love historical films. I didn't watch this one but the plot seems it should get 4 out of 5. Also, Matt Damon is one of my favourite, will try to watch. Thanks for the review.
I agree very much with where you say it is still same in the world today, even after centuries. Only the bold and courageous speak up and have their voices heard.
I rarely see series like this but this one got my interest, will add it to my watch list and hope I find a time to watch it. Nice review sis.
!LADY
I totally loved this movie and Adam Driver and Matt Damon where both amazing 😍😍😍
I agree, they are amazing actors. I enjoy their movies. 🙂
Greetings, It shows quite accurately the class system present at the time and how human society has evolved over the centuries.
Well said! Thanks so much for your visit.