The Last Duel Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two frenemies have a disagreement over who gets to marry a woman, so they decide to sword fight it out in front of the king, because that’s how conflict resolution worked back then… allegedly.

🍿 The Last Duel: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Feud Begins

Set in 14th-century France, the film introduces Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris, initially comrades-in-arms. Their relationship sours over time due to professional jealousy and courtly favor. Carrouges struggles financially, while Le Gris gains influence with Count Pierre d’Alençon.

Marguerite’s Accusation

Jean de Carrouges marries Marguerite de Thibouville, hoping to secure his financial future through her dowry. However, while Jean is away, Jacques Le Gris assaults Marguerite. She bravely accuses Le Gris of rape upon Jean’s return, setting in motion a trial by combat.

A Trial by Combat

Unable to find justice through the courts, Jean de Carrouges challenges Jacques Le Gris to a duel to the death. This trial by combat is sanctioned by King Charles VI, with the belief that God will favor the truthful party. The stakes are incredibly high: if Jean loses, Marguerite will be burned alive for false accusation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sir Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon): A respected but financially struggling knight who seeks to defend his wife’s honor through a duel.
• Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver): A charming and intelligent squire accused of a heinous crime, whose version of events differs drastically.
• Marguerite de Carrouges (Jodie Comer): The resilient wife of Jean de Carrouges who bravely accuses Jacques Le Gris of rape, facing severe consequences.
• Pierre d’Alençon (Ben Affleck): A powerful and influential count who favors Jacques Le Gris and complicates Jean de Carrouges’ pursuit of justice.
• King Charles VI (Alex Lawther): The young and somewhat erratic king who sanctions the duel to determine the truth.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Marguerite de Carrouges: “I am telling the truth.” – Marguerite asserts her honesty in the face of disbelief and societal pressure.
• Nicole de Carrouges: “The truth does not matter.” – Shows the pragmatic, cynical view of women in that era
• Jean de Carrouges: “I will prove my wife’s honor.” – Jean is fully committed to defend his wife’s accusations through a trial by combat.
• Jacques Le Gris: “I have done nothing wrong.” – Said just before the duel, as Jacques maintains his innocence to the very end.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $100,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $10,853,945
• Worldwide Gross: $30,552,111

💥 The Last Duel Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into this movie. The way it showed the same events from different perspectives was brilliant, making you question everything you thought you knew. Jodie Comer’s performance was incredible – you could really feel her strength and vulnerability. The duel itself was intense and brutal. It made me think about how women were treated then, and how some of those issues still resonate today. It is so worth watching.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in medieval history”
  • “Those who appreciate films with complex narratives and multiple perspectives”
  • “People who enjoy movies exploring themes of justice, truth, and gender dynamics”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic depictions of violence, including battle scenes and a brutal duel”
  • “Depiction of sexual assault (rape)”
  • “Mature themes and disturbing content may not be suitable for all viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Ridley Scott delivers a visually stunning and thought-provoking epic. The Rashomon-style storytelling is masterfully executed, providing deep insight into the characters’ motivations and the societal constraints of the time. Jodie Comer shines as Marguerite, delivering a powerful and nuanced performance.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While the film’s structure can feel repetitive at times, the strong performances and the compelling themes of truth, justice, and female agency make ‘The Last Duel’ a worthwhile cinematic experience. Scott’s direction is masterful, and the final duel is a brutal and gripping spectacle.
• Empire: “A gripping and intelligent historical drama, The Last Duel tackles challenging themes with nuance and depth. The performances are excellent across the board, and Scott’s direction is as sharp as ever. A film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Audience Reactions

Jodie Comer’s performance was absolutely phenomenal and moving.: The raw and realistic depiction of the duel was intense.

The Rashomon style was clever and made the movie interesting.: Historical accuracy felt authentic.

Overall Consensus: A compelling historical drama with strong performances and thought-provoking themes, although the Rashomon-style storytelling may feel repetitive to some.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The Last Duel’s screenplay was co-written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, marking their first collaboration as writers since their Oscar-winning Good Will Hunting (1997).”
• “Ridley Scott’s first film as a director was The Duellists (1977). Like The Last Duel, it centered around honor and duels, but in the Napoleonic era.”
• “The movie utilizes a ‘Rashomon-style’ narrative, presenting events from the perspectives of three different characters, adding layers of complexity to the story.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Last Duel?

The Last Duel is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV, where it can be rented or purchased. Check your local listings for availability on other streaming services. Physical copies (Blu-ray, DVD) can also be found at major retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy, providing options for owning the movie.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Rashomon (1950): Employs the same narrative technique of presenting a story from multiple, conflicting perspectives, forcing the audience to question the nature of truth.
• Kingdom of Heaven (2005): Directed by Ridley Scott, it shares similar themes of honor, duty, and the clash of civilizations in a historical setting.
• Gladiator (2000): Another Ridley Scott epic focusing on honor, betrayal, and brutal combat in a historical setting. Fans of the action and spectacle will appreciate Gladiator.
• Anatomy of a Fall (2023): A suspenseful courtroom thriller that dissects a marriage after the husband’s death, forcing the audience to grapple with conflicting testimonies and the elusiveness of truth.

🛒 The Last Duel Related Products

• The Last Duel: A True Story of Crime, Scandal, and Trial by Combat in Medieval France: Eric Jager’s detailed non-fiction book that inspired the film. It provides a comprehensive account of the historical events surrounding the duel and the lives of the individuals involved.
• Medieval Knight Toy Figures Playset: A set of toy figures inspired by the knights from The Last Duel. Could be fun for kids or a collector.
• Medieval European Long Sword: High quality, hand forged replica of the sword used in the final duel. Great addition to any weapon or movie prop collection.
• Medieval Chainmail Armor Set: Authentic chainmail set, inspired by The Last Duel. Full suit of armour, perfect for display, or renaissance fair fun.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “La blanche biche” – performed by Traditional
• “Main Theme” – performed by Harry Gregson-Williams (unconfirmed)

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Last Duel Should Not Have Bombed

Curious about why ‘The Last Duel’ may have underwhelmed at the box office? Join Chris Stuckmann as he delves into the film’s reception and offers his own unique perspective.

True Story of The Last Trial By Combat in France 600 Years Ago

Step into the fascinating world of medieval history as this video unravels the real-life events behind ‘The Last Duel.’ Discover the dramatic tale of the last trial by combat in France.

✨ Rate