The Last Duel (2021)
Ridley Scott's unflinching historical epic recounts medieval France's last trial by combat through three riveting perspectives on truth, honor, and justice.
The Last Duel - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Last Duel
- Release Year: 2021
- Directed by: Ridley Scott
- Type: Movie
- Genres: History, Drama, Action
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 33m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, French, Romanian, Russian
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 13, 2021 (Egypt), October 15, 2021 (United States - R), October 15, 2021 (Canada - 18A), October 15, 2021 (United Kingdom - 18), October 14, 2021 (Germany - 16), October 13, 2021 (France - 12), October 22, 2021 (India - A), October 21, 2021 (New Zealand - 16), October 21, 2021 (Australia - MA15+), October 14, 2021 (Brazil - 16), October 15, 2021 (Mexico - B15), October 14, 2021 (Italy - T), October 15, 2021 (Spain - 16), October 20, 2021 (South Korea - 19)
- Alternative Titles: Ostatni Pojedynek (PL), 最後的決鬥 (TW), Le Dernier duel (FR), 最後的決鬥 (HK), El último duelo (ES), O Último Duelo (PT), 最后的决斗 (CN), ดวลชีวิต ลิขิตชะตา (TH)
- Production Companies: 20th Century Studios, Pearl Street Films, Scott Free Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Last Duel - Plot
King Charles VI declares that Knight Jean de Carrouges settle his dispute with his squire, Jacques Le Gris, by challenging him to a duel.
The Last Duel - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the epic confrontation unfold:
The true story of a woman who defied a nation and made history.
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The Last Duel - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ridley Scott
Main Cast
- Matt Damon
- Adam Driver
- Jodie Comer
- Ben Affleck
- Harriet Walter
- Marton Csokas
- Alex Lawther
- William Houston
- Oliver Cotton
- Željko Ivanek
Writers
- Matt Damon
- Ben Affleck
- Nicole Holofcener
Producers
- Nicole Holofcener
- Matt Damon
- Ben Affleck
- James Flynn
- Morgan O'Sullivan
The Last Duel - FAQs
What is The Last Duel actually about?
The Last Duel tells the true story of Marguerite de Carrouges, a noblewoman in 14th-century France who accuses squire Jacques Le Gris of rape. Her husband, knight Jean de Carrouges, demands trial by combat — the last legally sanctioned duel in French history — with Marguerite's life hanging on the outcome.
Is The Last Duel based on a true story?
Yes, it's rooted in real history. The film draws from Eric Jager's 2004 book about the actual 1386 duel between Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris. The events took place in medieval Normandy, France, and the combat was indeed the last officially sanctioned trial by battle in French history.
Where can you stream The Last Duel?
You can stream The Last Duel on Hulu, fuboTV, or YouTube TV as part of a subscription. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. FXNow offers it for free as well.
Why does The Last Duel tell the same story three times?
The film uses a Rashomon-style structure, presenting events from three perspectives: Jean de Carrouges, Jacques Le Gris, and Marguerite. Each account subtly differs, revealing how memory, ego, and self-interest shape truth. The third chapter — Marguerite's — is pointedly subtitled "The Truth," making the film's moral stance unmistakable.
Who are the main cast members in The Last Duel?
The film stars Matt Damon as knight Jean de Carrouges, Adam Driver as squire Jacques Le Gris, and Jodie Comer as Marguerite de Carrouges. Ben Affleck plays the flamboyant Count Pierre d'Alençon. Damon, Affleck, and Nicole Holofcener also co-wrote the screenplay together.
What does the ending of The Last Duel mean?
Jean de Carrouges wins the duel and kills Le Gris, legally vindicating Marguerite. Yet the film frames this as a deeply ambiguous victory — her survival depended entirely on her husband's sword arm, not justice. The closing title cards note Carrouges died in battle years later, leaving Marguerite to live independently.
How was The Last Duel received by critics?
Critics praised the film warmly, particularly Jodie Comer's performance and the bold triptych structure. It holds a strong score on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers calling it one of Ridley Scott's most mature and thematically rich works. Audiences were slower to embrace it, contributing to a disappointing box office run.
Why did The Last Duel underperform at the box office?
Despite a $100 million budget, the film earned just over $30 million worldwide — a significant shortfall. Ridley Scott publicly attributed the poor performance to younger audiences relying on social media rather than critics. The film's adult-oriented, dialogue-heavy approach may have also limited its mainstream appeal in a post-pandemic market.
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