After its theatrical release on October 13, 2021, The Last Duel makes its free-to-air TV debut. This historical drama directed by Ridley Scott will be broadcast on M6 on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 9:10 PM. Based on Eric Jager’s book (The Last Duel: Paris, December 29, 1386), the film features Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Jodie Comer, alongside Ben Affleck.
The story is set in 14th-century France, a time when the judicial duel—also known as the "Judgment of God"—was still a legitimate way to settle disputes. Jean de Carrouges, a respected knight known for his courage, and Jacques Le Gris, a powerful squire at court, go from being friends to fierce rivals, driven by ambitions, political machinations, and public humiliations.
The conflict erupts when Marguerite, wife of Carrouges, accuses Le Gris of assaulting her. He denies the charges. By choosing to press charges in a society where a woman’s testimony carries little weight without a man’s support, Marguerite sparks a legal battle that puts her life at risk. The case ultimately leads to a deadly duel, meant to uncover the truth, leaving the outcome to divine will to determine the victor.
Beyond its historical accuracy, the film is crafted in three distinct sections, each presenting events from different perspectives—culminating in Marguerite’s point of view. This storytelling approach invites viewers to question how narratives are constructed, the nature of evidence, and the social dominance exercised by male authority.
Filming took place notably in the Dordogne region, with several castles involved, including the iconic Château de Beynac. It’s a return to a region where Ridley Scott previously shot The Duellists in 1976. The director is also backed by a familiar technical team, including director of photography Dariusz Wolski and production designer Arthur Max, aiming to capture a medieval reality characterized by mud, armor, ceremony, and brutality.
The Last Duel appeals to fans of epic historical dramas and courtroom thrillers, featuring a storytelling style that shifts seamlessly between court scenes, political machinations, and intense combat sequences. The film was showcased out of competition at the Venice Film Festival 2021, and marks the first collaboration between Ridley Scott and Adam Driver, who would reunite the same year in House of Gucci.
The Last Duel
Film | 2021
In cinemas from October 13, 2021
Broadcast on TV: Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 9:10 p.m. on M6
Drama, Historical | Duration: 2h33
Directed by Ridley Scott | Starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie Comer
Original title: The Last Duel
Country: United States
Blending period drama with a gripping courtroom thriller, The Last Duel portrays a confrontation where honor, truth, and power are at stake—both inside the courtroom and on the battlefield—centered around the crucial issue of words and their far-reaching repercussions.
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