The Last Duel
Coming to cinemas soon from Gladiator Director Ridley Scott, and co-written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, is the Last Duel, the story of Marguerite de Carrouges, who lived in 14th century France.
The film features Matt Damon as Jean de Carrouges, a 14th-century French knight who challenges his squire, Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver), to a duel after his wife, Marguerite de Carrouges (the incomparable Jodie Comer from Killing Eve), the descendant of an old and wealthy Norman family with links to William the Conqueror, accuses Le Gris of raping her.
Little is known of Marguerite – other than she was the daughter of a traitor, Robert de Thibouville. He had sided against the French King in territorial disputes—twice, both times barely making it out with his life, fortune or lands.
Marrying his daughter to de Carrouges, a knight who fought in the 100 Years War, was a social climb – to lift their family’s name and fortunes from the gutter.
To defend his wife’s honour, he challenged Le Gris to combat – the last legally sanctioned duel in France. This was literally life or death – if Carrouges lost, Marguerite would be burnt at the stake for perjury. Thousands came to Paris to witness the fight.
The screenplay is based on a novel by Eric Jager – and highlights the huge implications and scandal created by a 14th century woman publicly accusing a man of sexual assault – and the implications of speaking out.
The Last Duel will be released on 15th October 2021.
