The Last Duel

Main Plot

The Last Duel is set in 14th-century France and revolves around the true story of a knight, Jean de Carrouges, who challenges his former friend, Jacques Le Gris, to a duel. The conflict arises after Carrouges' wife, Marguerite, accuses Le Gris of assaulting her. In a society where a woman's word holds little weight, Carrouges seeks justice through a trial by combat, which is the last legally sanctioned duel in France. The narrative unfolds through three perspectives: Carrouges, Marguerite, and Le Gris, each revealing their own truths and motivations surrounding the incident. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, the film explores themes of honor, betrayal, and the struggle for agency in a patriarchal society. The story culminates in the fateful duel, where the outcome will determine not only the fate of the accused but also the honor of Marguerite and the integrity of Carrouges.

Characters

• Matt Damon plays Sir Jean de Carrouges, a knight who challenges his squire to a duel to defend his wife's honor after she accuses the squire of rape.
• Adam Driver plays Jacques Le Gris, a squire accused of raping the wife of his friend and fellow knight, leading to a trial by combat to resolve the accusation.
• Jodie Comer plays Marguerite de Carrouges, a noblewoman whose assault accusation against her husband's friend leads to a trial by combat to resolve the dispute.

Ending Explained

In the ending of The Last Duel, the film culminates in a dramatic and brutal confrontation between the two knights, Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris, following a series of events rooted in betrayal and honor. The duel is set in a public arena, symbolizing the societal stakes of their conflict. As the two men fight, the tension escalates, representing not only their personal grievances but also the larger themes of justice and truth. Ultimately, Jean emerges victorious, killing Jacques. This outcome resolves the immediate conflict, as Jean's honor is restored, and he is vindicated in the eyes of society. However, the film's narrative also highlights the tragic consequences of the duel, particularly for Marguerite, whose plight remains unresolved despite the outcome. The victory does not bring her justice or peace, illustrating the limitations of the medieval justice system and the ongoing struggles faced by women. The ending reinforces the film's exploration of honor, truth, and the impact of societal norms on individual lives. While Jean's victory may seem like a resolution, it also serves as a poignant commentary on the cyclical nature of violence and the often-unaddressed injustices that linger beyond the battlefield.