Despite its tepid box-office numbers, Ridley Scott’s “The Last Duel” is absolutely killing it on the iTunes movie charts. It’s currently the top rental of the week. I know a few people who finally saw the film over the weekend and absolutely loved it. Word-of-mouth is strong with this one.
I really believe that a few years from now, when we look back at the movie year that was 2021, “The Last Duel” will be part of that conversation. It’s the kind of sweeping epic that just doesn’t get made anymore and Scott is one of the last remaining old-school studio directors still actively working today.
Scott’s film got a boost yesterday by being included in the National Board of Review’s ten best films of the year. I’m also still sticking with it in my Oscar predictions — if enough voters watch the film then it will be rewarded with a Best Picture nomination. Here’s hoping.