The Last Duel
The Last Duel Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: The Last Duel
| Movie | The Last Duel |
| Release Year | 2021 |
| Director | Ridley Scott |
| Genre | History / Drama / Action / Thriller |
| Runtime | 153 minutes (2h 33m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Last Duel (2021) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this History.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Last Duel are led by Matt Damon . The supporting cast, including Adam Driver and Jodie Comer , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Last Duel stands out as a strong entry in the History genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured History narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Last Duel has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the History fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Last Duel
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2021, The Last Duel is a History, Drama, Action, Thriller film directed by Ridley Scott, written by Nicole Holofcener. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Matt Damon as Sir Jean de Carrouges.
What Is the Story of The Last Duel?
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. 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 story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
How Is The Last Duel Structured?
- Opening Hook: The Last Duel establishes its world and central conflict efficiently, with Ridley Scott introducing Matt Damon as Sir Jean de Carrouges in the opening act, and at a lengthy 2h 33m runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Matt Damon's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings the narrative threads together, with Matt Damon's arc reaching resolution. Ridley Scott's handling of the finale provides adequate resolution.
What Are the Themes of The Last Duel?
The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.
What Works and What Doesn't in The Last Duel?
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the creators' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Ending Explained: The Last Duel
The Last Duel Ending Explained: King Charles VI declares that Knight Jean de Carrouges settle his dispute with his squire, Jacques Le Gris, by challenging him to a duel. Directed by Ridley Scott, this 2021 history film stars Matt Damon (Sir Jean de Carrouges), alongside Adam Driver as Jacques Le Gris, Jodie Comer as Marguerite de Carrouges, Ben Affleck as Pierre d'Alençon. Rated 7.4/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of The Last Duel?
King Charles VI declares that Knight Jean de Carrouges settle his dispute with his squire, Jacques Le Gris, by challenging him to a duel.
How Does Matt Damon (Sir Jean de Carrouges)'s Story End?
- Matt Damon: Matt Damon's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Ridley Scott delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 2h 33m runtime.
- Adam Driver (Jacques Le Gris): Adam Driver's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Jodie Comer (Marguerite de Carrouges): Jodie Comer's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
Is The Last Duel Based on a True Story?
Yes — The Last Duel draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Ridley Scott has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.
What Does the Ending of The Last Duel Mean?
The ending of The Last Duel ties together the narrative threads involving Matt Damon. Ridley Scott chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes. Based on 3,836 audience ratings, the consensus is that the ending is adequate but divisive.
The Last Duel Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Last Duel Based on a True Story?
Yes, The Last Duel is inspired by documented historical events. Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon, this history, drama, action, thriller film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of The Last Duel
The film balances factual inspiration with cinematic storytelling. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
Many viewers have praised the film for respecting the spirit of the real events.
Accuracy Assessment: The Last Duel uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. Viewers interested in the real history may want to explore historical sources alongside the film.
Who Should Watch The Last Duel?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy History films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Matt Damon or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Be prepared for a long sit at 2h 33m.
Box Office Collection: The Last Duel
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $100.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $30.6M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Last Duel Budget
The estimated production budget for The Last Duel is $100.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch The Last Duel Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Hulu
fuboTV
YouTube TV🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Last Duel Parents Guide & Age Rating
2021 AdvisoryWondering about The Last Duel age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Last Duel (2021) is 153 minutes (2h 33m). Directed by Ridley Scott, the film runs for 153 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.4/10, and global performance metrics, The Last Duel is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2021 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Last Duel worth watching?
The Last Duel is definitely worth watching if you enjoy History movies. It has a verified rating of 7.4/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Last Duel parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Last Duel identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Last Duel (2021)?
The runtime of The Last Duel (2021) is 153 minutes (approximately 2h 33m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
