The Last Duel

In medieval France, Knight Jean de Carrouges and his former friend and squire Jacques Le Gris are pulled into a bitter public dispute after Marguerite de Carrouges accuses Le Gris of a violent assault. Rather than settling privately, the complaint becomes a royal matter when King Charles VI orders a judicial duel to resolve who is telling the truth. The film presents multiple points of view, showing how status, memory, and gender shape each account. As accusations escalate, reputations and legal stakes are tested, and the narrative keeps the trial and its human toll at the forefront. It has brutal fights and courtroom scenes that test loyalty and honor.

Directed by Ridley Scott, the feature film was released worldwide in 2021 and adapted from Eric Jager's historical book. The screenplay was credited to Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Nicole Holofcener, who reworked the medieval source material for modern audiences.

Critics generally praised performances and the film's frank look at power, memory, and gender, reflected by a 7.4 average score from audience votes. Many reviewers singled out Jodie Comer, Adam Driver, and Matt Damon, noting the film's stark treatment of testimony and violence, and its refusal to simplify moral questions.

Jodie Comer's portrayal and the climactic duel stuck with many viewers, prompting media conversations about consent, medieval justice, and how narratives are shaped by power. The film renewed interest in the actual historical case and inspired think pieces and classroom debates on testimony, and sparked online debates among historians.

During awards season it drew nominations and attention from critics groups and industry guilds, with particular notice for acting, costume, production design, and combat choreography, though it did not become a major Oscar contender; smaller critics' prizes and festival mentions were common, and modest industry recognition followed.