‘Masterpiece’ period drama starring two Oscar winners now on Amazon Prime | Films | Entertainment

A “masterpiece” period drama starring two Oscar winners is streaming now in the UK. The Last Duel (2021) is set in 14th-century France and tells the story of Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon), a knight who challenges his former friend Jacques le Gris (Adam Driver) for raping his wife, Marguerite (Jodie Comer).

Ben Affleck also appears as Count Pierre d’Alençon in a supporting role. It was directed by Ridley Scott, known for a host of classics including Gladiator (2000), Alien (1979), and Blade Runner (1982). Damon and Affleck, who shared a Best Original Screenplay Oscar for Good Will Hunting (1997), co-wrote the screenplay with Nicole Holofcener. The story is based on Eric Jager’s 2004 book The Last Duel: A True Story of Crime, Scandal, and Trial by Combat in Medieval France.

The story is told in three chapters, retelling the same events from each perspective in a style made famous by Japanese master filmmaker Akira Kurosawa.

One fan writing on IMDb hailed it as a “period drama masterpiece”, saying they were blown away by the scale of the film, describing it as “grand”.

Another wrote: “Ridley Scott delivers here, and although it’s a bit of a departure for him, Duel is an intriguing, albeit slow, bleed of a movie.

“Told from three perspectives, this film delves into the psyches of its main characters with striking depth. With a near grey-scale design, it’s as bleak as it is slow paced, but to watch Damon and Driver work is truly fascinating.”

A third wrote: “Jodie Comer is so good! Also pay attention to the subtle changes in each account of the story. Honestly at first it wasn’t what I thought it would be. But this movie really comes together and keeps you engaged.

“I watched this days ago and continue to think about it,” they added.

A fourth wrote: “Adam Driver proves once more that he is the greatest living actor in 2022. His range never fails to amaze me!

“This film is one of the most brutal I have seen in sometime but it has a great story to tell and is worth your time.

The movie is an 18 and contains sexual violence, and strong bloody violence – so viewer discretion is advised.

The Last Duel is streaming now on Amazon Prime. It’s also available to watch on other platforms, including Disney+.