Massively underseen historical epic filmed in Ireland is on TV tonight

Holding an 85% Rotten Tomatoes score, the movie stars one of the leads of The Odyssey.

Directed by the legendary Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven), the movie is set in 14th-century France during the Hundred Years' War.

Its story follows two friends turned bitter rivals: Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon, The Odyssey) and Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver, Inside Llewyn Davis).

"Carrouges is a respected knight known for his bravery and skill on the battlefield. Le Gris is a Norman squire whose intelligence and eloquence make him one of the most admired nobles in court," the plot synopsis reads.

"When Carrouges' wife, Marguerite (Jodie Comer, 28 Years Later), is viciously assaulted by Le Gris, a charge he denies, she refuses to stay silent, stepping forward to accuse her attacker, an act of bravery and defiance that puts her life in jeopardy.

"The ensuing trial by combat, a gruelling duel to the death, places the fate of all three in God's hands."

Co-starring Ben Affleck (who also co-wrote the script with Damon), The Last Duel is based on actual events and was filmed in Ireland in 2020.

Watch the trailer for The Last Duel right here:

Remember when Matt Damon went viral for being snapped in Dalkey carrying a SuperValu bag? Well, he was in the Emerald Isle to make the historical epic.

Acclaimed for its performances, its Rashomon-esque structure, and the way it explores historical events through a modern lens, the movie holds an 85% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

While it didn't end up being a big box office success, the epic is said to have become a hit on streaming.

The Last Duel is airing on TV tonight on RTÉ2 at 9pm. The film is also currently available to watch on Disney+.

For JOE's list of the other movies on TV tonight, click here.