Based on the true story of France’s last trial by combat in the Middle Ages, the movie portrays Knight Jean de Carrouges challenging his former friend Jacques Le Gris to a duel after Jean’s wife Marguerite accuses Le Gris of rape. The dramatization takes on a three act narrative frame that resembles partly that of Kurosawa’s masterpiece Rashomon: three chapters narrate the events, each from the point of view of the one of the three protagonists – the two duelists and Marguerite. The film clearly seeks historical authenticity, and seems to succeed in achieving it. The almost word-by-word, blow by blow adherence to the account of the duel seems to confirm such an achievement, and is in a way reminiscent of Scott’s debut film The Duelists, known for his methodical reconstruction.

To talk about performances in this movie, Jodie has the lead – she can get awards buzz after this film. She plays her character from different perspectives. It is not an easy thing to do, but Jodie does it beautifully. Matt Damon also makes his mark. After Ben Affleck’s drop from the other lead role, Adam Driver took it and I have to say – it is an impressive casting because, as an antagonist, Adam has a perfect villain look. Ben Affleck steals the show every time he is on the screen – just like in Good Will Hunting, his side character is real fun to watch.

After Good Will Hunting I was shocked as to why Ben Affleck and Matt Damon didn’t write any screenplay together. Well, our wait is over because they have made a brave move, but this time it doesn’t have that Hollywood storytelling vibe on it. This time, it is more experimental and different, they went for a new storytelling wave. The true essence of this film’s stance is the idea that, through the study of history, more can be learned about the contemporary world – the past being a mirror of the present.