The Last Duel

In 14th-century France, the last trial by combat in the kingdom's history is spurred by Marguerite de Carrouges' accusation of assault against Jacques Le Gris, a squire to her husband, Jean de Carrouges. The film unfolds from the perspectives of Carrouges, Le Gris, and Marguerite, revealing the differing accounts and the societal constraints faced by women in medieval times. The narrative culminates in a dramatic and violent judicial duel to determine the truth and decide the fate of all involved.

The Last Duel received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised Ridley Scott's direction, the performances of the lead actors, particularly Jodie Comer, and its historical accuracy. However, its box office performance was considered a disappointment, with some attributing this to the challenging subject matter and competition from other releases.

• Jodie Comer delivers a standout performance as the central figure whose perspective is crucial.

• Ridley Scott effectively uses aRashomon-style narrative to explore differing viewpoints and historical biases.

• The film is visually striking and historically detailed, though its bleak subject matter can be challenging.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight Jodie Comer's compelling performance and the film's thought-provoking examination of historical injustice. Some viewers found the narrative structure engaging, while others felt the story was too dark or slow-paced.

The film was praised for its meticulous recreation of medieval France, with extensive research going into the costumes, armor, and sets to ensure historical authenticity.