Review of The Last Duel (2021) by Bertobellamy — 15 Oct 2021

I can confirm now that Ridley Scott is back! 'The Last Duel' may very well be his best film since 'Gladiator.'

Don't let the runtime frighten you. Yes, it's long, but I don't think of another way it would've worked. Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Nicole Holofcener's screenplay give us three distinct perspectives about a terrible incident: the raping of a woman. It's not hard to guess which version it's the truth, I mean, the film is very obvious about it, but it's the details that make this approach interesting.

Each side of the story portrays different versions of the main characters, depending on whose turn is. "The truth doesn't matter", tells Carrouge's mother to Lady Marguerite (Jodie Comer) towards the end. And, yes, it didn't matter until very recently. With this film, everyone involved points at the patriarchal system that has held women hostage for so long. Of course, we're still a long way to go to change it, and 'The Last Duel' is not very optimistic about it, but there's light at the end of the tunnel; a moment in history when the victim's truth will be that: the truth.

The weakest part of the film is Damon and Affleck's acting, which goes from funny to over-the-top and back all the time. Adam Driver is fine (not great), but it's Jodie Comer who saves the day with the vulnerability and stoicism she gives to her character. There are also some issues with the editing; a lot of scenes end pretty fast, taking you out of the action or the drama. The dialogues are bad sometimes, especially those of the male characters. And, of course, Damon and Affleck's characterization is wild, almost funny.

But, despite these problems, the ending is very satisfying. The actual last duel is brutal and spectacular. Reminded me a lot of those Coliseum scenes in 'Gladiator.