What’s it about?

A based-on-a-true-story account of the last legally sanctioned duel fought in 14th century France, in which Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) challenges his old friend Jacques De Gris (Adam Driver) to a duel to the death after Jacques is accused of rape by Jean’s wife Marguerite (Jodie Comer).

What did we think?

Peter Linning says: he Last Duel is a solid historical drama that explores some all-too-contemporary issues around women’s agency without ever making the mistake of applying modern values to its characters. The Last Duel opens with the beginning of the titular duel, before proceeding to explore the events that lead up to it across three chapters – each recounting the same events from the perspective of the three main characters. The narrative device works exceptionally well, with key scenes in one chapter absent from another, and with shared scenes shot and performed differently to reflect the bias of the chapter’s central character. Ridley Scott has put together a great-looking film, with an incredibly nuanced performance by Jodie Comer elevating it even more. There’s a few distracting accents and iffy wigs, but it’s absolutely worth checking out. 8.5/10