The Last Duel

In the time of Charles VI (Alex Lawther), the King of France, two friends on the battlefield, Sir Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) and Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) would grow further and further apart over politics and social savvy until the final blow, Jean’s wife, Marguerite (Jodie Comer), would accuse Jacques of rape. Now, a matter brought before God and King, Jean and Jacques must settle their disputes in a duel, this is their story. Written by Nicole Holofcener, Ben Affleck, and Matt Damon and Directed by Ridley Scott this three chapter story, effectively re-telling perspectives from each party involved, Jean, Jacques, and Marguerite is a test of patience and wills for roughly the first two hours whilst setting up for the actual duel. Which is to say, the concept probably looked great on paper, but all the king’s horsemen and all the king’s men have a hard time keeping this woke white knight seeking justice narrative interesting and compelling once the “gimmick” runs out of gas mid chapter two. Visually, Scott is unquestionably on point and in stride throughout the handful of battle scenes, and that helps fuel the rest of the film’s drive forward; but, sadly, good production design and carnage isn’t enough to make up for the overall lack of narrative. Acting from the ensemble all seems fit, shoulder shrugs all round. At two hours and thirty two minutes of runtime, yawn, The Last Duel is rated R.