Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel Set to Stream on Hulu
Legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott, known for cinematic milestones like Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and The Martian, has a history of delivering gritty and visually striking films. Yet among his vast filmography, one of his most underrated and violent historical action films, The Last Duel (2021), is finally making a comeback — this time through streaming.
Starting November 1, The Last Duel will be available to stream on Hulu, giving audiences a fresh chance to experience one of Scott’s most intense and thought-provoking works. Despite its critical acclaim upon release, the film underperformed at the box office — largely due to its debut during the height of the global pandemic.
A Critically Acclaimed Yet Overlooked Masterpiece
Upon release, The Last Duel received outstanding reviews from critics, earning an impressive 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers who did catch the film were equally impressed, giving it a solid 81% audience score. With those numbers, the movie ranks among Scott’s more celebrated works, even if it flew under the radar for many moviegoers.
The movie boasts a remarkable ensemble cast, featuring Jodie Comer, Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Ben Affleck, all delivering powerful performances that heighten the film’s emotional and moral complexity.
A Gritty Tale of Honor, Betrayal, and Justice
Set during the Hundred Years’ War — a brutal conflict between France and England that actually spanned over a century — The Last Duel dramatizes the true story of France’s final trial by combat. The film follows Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon), a courageous knight, and Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver), a charismatic squire whose ambitions lead to deadly consequences.
When Carrouges’ wife, Marguerite (Jodie Comer), accuses Le Gris of a horrific crime he vehemently denies, the accusation sets off a chain of events culminating in a duel sanctioned by the crown. The outcome would not only determine guilt or innocence but also the fate of the accuser herself — a testament to the perilous position of women in medieval society.
Why The Last Duel Deserves a Second Look
While Scott’s fans often celebrate his larger hits — from Alien and Blade Runner to Gladiator and The Martian — The Last Duel stands out for its bold storytelling and unflinching realism. Told through three distinct perspectives, the film explores truth, memory, and power in a deeply human way.
Many viewers who have discovered the movie since its theatrical run have praised it as one of Scott’s strongest efforts in recent years, calling it “the best Ridley Scott film of the decade” and “vastly underrated.” From its intricate narrative structure to its shocking and meticulously choreographed final duel, the film delivers both emotional depth and visceral action.
Final Thoughts
With The Last Duel arriving on Hulu, new audiences can finally appreciate this historical drama that combines Ridley Scott’s signature realism with a compelling story of courage and conviction. If you missed it the first time, now’s the perfect opportunity to experience one of the director’s most brutal yet profoundly moving historical epics.
