Barring any dispositions you might have about Hollywood’s latest stab at English-language period epics set in, say, France, the latest trailer for Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel has a little meat on its medieval bones as seen in the first official trailer out of 21st Century Studios. Swordplay drama with a dash of crime and controversy and jabs of patriarchy and theocratic rule certainly set the pace here some.
An adaptation of Eric Jager’s own 2004 novel, The Last Duel takes place in 14th century France and centers its dark and violent tale on Norman knight Jean de Carrouges, who returns from war and learns his wife, Marguerite de Carrouges, has been raped by former friend, squire Jacques Le Gris, who denies the allegations. No one believes de Carrouges wife for whom the paternity of her pregnancy is now in question. Following an appeal to King Charles VI in wake of a decision handed down by Count Pierre d’Anencon in favor of Le Gris, the resolve is for both men to fight a duel to the death. Should de Carrouges lose, his wife will be burned at the stake.
Jodie Comer headlines along with Adam Driver, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck with a theatrical release set for October 15.