The Duel Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Liam Hemsworth, tired of being overshadowed by his brother, picks a fight with Woody Harrelson in a small Texas town, but things get weird when his wife joins a snake-handling cult.

🍿 The Duel: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Investigating Helena

In 1888, Texas Ranger David Kingston is tasked by the Governor to investigate a series of unexplained deaths in the town of Helena, near the Texas-Mexico border. The victims are primarily Mexican citizens, and tensions are rising. Kingston, accompanied by his wife Marisol, travels to Helena to uncover the truth behind these mysterious killings.

Meeting Abraham Brant

Upon arriving in Helena, Kingston meets Abraham Brant, the charismatic and influential leader of the town. Brant is a self-proclaimed preacher who holds sway over the town’s inhabitants. Kingston quickly realizes that Brant is more than just a religious figure; he seems to be controlling every aspect of life in Helena.

Hidden Truths and Dangerous Games

As Kingston delves deeper into his investigation, he discovers that Brant is running a sinister operation. He’s selling hunting trips to wealthy individuals, who then hunt and kill captured Mexicans. This practice, combined with Brant’s influence over the town, reveals a dark and disturbing underbelly to Helena. Marisol falls ill, and becomes influenced by Brant.

A Personal Connection

Kingston learns the killings are connected to his own past. Brant was the man who killed Kingston’s father in a duel years prior. David finds himself caught in a web of revenge. The film becomes about avenging his father’s death and bringing Brant to justice.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• David Kingston (Liam Hemsworth): A Texas Ranger sent to investigate a series of mysterious deaths, seeking justice and confronting his past.
• Abraham (Woody Harrelson): The charismatic and dangerous leader of a small Texas town, hiding dark secrets and controlling its inhabitants.
• Marisol (Alice Braga): David Kingston’s wife, who accompanies him and becomes entangled in the sinister events of the town.
• Isaac Brant (Emory Cohen): Abraham’s ruthless son and enforcer, deeply involved in his father’s sinister activities.
• Governor Lawrence Sullivan Ross (William Sadler): The Governor of Texas who assigns David Kingston to investigate the mysterious deaths.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Abraham: “I’ll embrace your company while I have it.” – Abraham speaks this phrase in Spanish to David, hinting at his knowledge of David’s mission.
• Abraham: “You were sent here for me. I will not let you go.” – Abraham says this in a foreign language, revealing his belief in destiny and his control over the situation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $17,221
• Worldwide Gross: $20,672

💥 The Duel Reviews

Personal Review

I went into ‘The Duel’ expecting a classic Western showdown, but it was so much weirder than that. Woody Harrelson is delightfully creepy, and the visuals are stunning. However, I couldn’t help but feel that the movie lost its way in the second half, leaving several plot threads dangling. The snake-handling scenes were unforgettable, though, and made the film worth watching. I’m not sure I’d watch it again, but it certainly gave me something to think about.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Westerns with a dark twist”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about revenge and frontier justice”
  • “Those who appreciate strong performances from lead actors”
  • “Viewers interested in movies set in the old west”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “References to racism”
  • “Disturbing content”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “The Duel attempts to blend classic Western tropes with a psychological thriller, but struggles to find its footing. Woody Harrelson’s performance is a highlight, though the film ultimately feels underwhelming.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While boasting strong performances, The Duel is marred by a slow pace and a convoluted plot. It promises much but delivers little, leaving the audience wanting more depth and clarity.
• RogerEbert.com: “The Duel aims for a gritty and atmospheric Western but falls short due to its predictable narrative and lack of genuine suspense. Despite solid acting, the film fails to create a lasting impression.

Audience Reactions

Woody Harrelson’s portrayal of the villain was praised for being both charismatic and terrifying.: Many viewers enjoyed the film’s atmospheric cinematography and the unique blend of Western and thriller elements.

Some viewers found the pacing slow and the plot convoluted, detracting from the overall experience.: A significant number of viewers appreciated the film’s attempt to address social issues, even if subtly.

Overall Consensus: While ‘The Duel’ boasts strong performances and a visually appealing aesthetic, its slow pacing and somewhat muddled plot have resulted in a mixed reception from both critics and audiences.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie was filmed in Greenwood, Mississippi.”
• “Woody Harrelson spent time with a local high school girls’ soccer team while filming in Greenwood.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Duel?

Currently, ‘The Duel’ is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on demand for purchase or rental through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Availability may vary depending on your region, so check your local streaming services for the most up-to-date options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Duel, you might like these similar films:

• The Proposition (2005): Both films explore brutal themes of morality and revenge in a harsh, unforgiving landscape with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and character.
• Out of the Furnace (2013): Features Woody Harrelson in a similar villainous role, showcasing his ability to play menacing and unhinged characters.
• There Will Be Blood (2007): Shares a theme of corruption and dark underbelly of frontier life, with a central character driven by ambition and a sense of superiority, reminiscent of Abraham’s character.

🛒 The Duel Related Products

• Classic Cowboy Hat: A traditional felt cowboy hat, perfect for fans wanting to embody the spirit of the Old West. High-quality construction ensures durability and a comfortable fit.
• Western Style Leather Holster: A handcrafted leather holster, replicating the style worn by characters in ‘The Duel’. Designed for display or cosplay, showcasing attention to historical accuracy.
• Frontier 1880s Clothing: Outfit your next adventure in 1880s frontier clothing. Long sleeve shirt is made of 55% cotton and 45% rayon with a woven design. Comfortable to wear all day long. Classic western frontier style design long sleeve shirt.
• Vintage Western Movie Poster Set: Featuring iconic imagery reminiscent of ‘The Duel’, this poster set brings the Western atmosphere to any room. Printed on high-quality paper, ideal for framing and display.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Duel features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Miserere Mei Deus” – performed by Gregorio Allegri
• “Main theme from the The Duel” – performed by Craig Eastman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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✨ Rate