The Last Duel (2021) review

I’m impressed with the scale, enormous sets, well choreographed battles, number of extras, beautiful wardrobe, and immersive atmosphere. All of that is accompanied by great cinematography and color grading. It feels like I’m watching Game of Thrones all over again with the adultery, corruption, military campaigns, power, and ego. I also like how each character’s version of the story has subtle differences depending on whose truth we are seeing. The same events can feel slightly different because everyone remembers themselves a little more favorably. This era was really such a sad place for women. Even other women can doubt a woman’s claim, and once everything is presented in court, her credibility can be torn apart so easily. This is probably Adam Driver’s most villainous role that I’ve watched so far. The story is staged so well that by the time we finally reach the last duel, all the stakes are incredibly high. I could barely breathe. It gave me the same feeling as Paul versus Feyd in Dune: Part Two (2024). And when the conflict finally reaches its conclusion, it is incredibly satisfying. Ridley Scott should stay in the medieval lane. I honestly think this is where he is at his best (except Gladiator II, that sucks). Watched on Disney+