The Last Duel (2021)
Set in 14th-century France, The Last Duel is a powerful and thought-provoking historical drama directed by Ridley Scott. The film is based on the true story of the last legally sanctioned duel in France, a battle that would decide the fate of a woman, whose honor was at stake after a brutal accusation.
The plot revolves around three central characters: Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon), a knight known for his valor; Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver), a squire with ambition; and Marguerite de Carrouges (Jodie Comer), the wife at the center of the conflict. When Marguerite accuses Jacques of raping her, the two men, once allies, are forced into a fierce duel to the death. The outcome will not only determine the truth of her claim but also her own fate in a society where womenβs voices are often silenced.
The film is told from three perspectives, offering a multifaceted view of the events leading up to the duel. Each version sheds light on the motivations, personal biases, and actions of the characters, painting a vivid picture of medieval France’s complexities and the brutal realities of the time.
The Last Duel explores themes of justice, power, and gender dynamics, questioning the ways in which history often remembers the powerful and forgets the oppressed. With intense performances, stunning cinematography, and a gripping narrative, the film captures the brutal essence of the medieval world, where honor, revenge, and the pursuit of truth collide in a final, life-or-death confrontation.