The Last Duel (2021 film)

Between the heavy premise, long runtime, and Affleck’s hair, “Last” would have been a tough sell for audiences without taking big virus into account; no wonder it underperformed. That said, “Duel” rewards patient audiences with a taut drama that asks us to find morality and hope in wretched times, guided by Comer’s enrapturing performance that should have seen her rewarded with an Academy Award nomination, if not an outright win. Scott has an unfortunate knack for films whose acclaim gathers over the years rather than be explosively celebrated on release, and I feel this will similarly gain respect over time.

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