Summary
The Duel
is a surprisingly thoughtful exploration of masculinity and friendship through a dark comedic lens.- Dylan Sprouse and Callan McAuliffe shine in their roles, leading to a powerful and unexpected ending.
- The film skillfully switches tones and never becomes predictable, and Patrick Warburton is a delightful treat.
Best friends become bitter enemies and resort to drastic action after a series of unforgivable betrayals in The Duel. What begins as a dark comedy takes a dramatically thoughtful turn that explores difficult themes of justice, loyalty, and most importantly, perceived masculinity in settling conflict. Their decision to end a grudge the old-fashioned way, through "gentlemanly combat" instead of peaceful negotiation, is handled with surprising dexterity. The film builds intrigue with compelling performances from a quirky ensemble. Their reactions vary drastically as the characters hurtle towards a sobering conclusion.
Colin (Dylan Sprouse) and Woody (Callan McAuliffe) were best friends — until Colin slept with Abbie (Rachel Matthews), Woody's longtime girlfriend and fiancé. After the initial shock and bitterness, Woody contacts Colin and initiates a strange meeting. The two enemies drive in separate cars, one with buddy Kevin and one with pal Sam, from Los Angeles to San Diego.
Both groups arrive at an antique dealer's shop. Woody has reached out to its owner, Christof (Patrick Warburton), as a means to settle his grievance. He challenges Colin to a duel to the death. Sam and Kevin are stupefied when Colin accepts. He's equally angry and resentful. There's no going back to the way things were. The friendship is over. A fascinated Christof explains the classic rules of dueling. Colin and Woody must choose their weapons. Sam and Kevin, their respective "seconds," have to find a place and time.
Brothers Not Going to Work It Out
The Duel (2024)
3.5/5
Upon discovering that his best friend, Colin (Sprouse), has been having an affair with his girlfriend, Woody (Mcauliffe) decides that no modern form of revenge could possibly satisfy him. Instead, Woody challenges his closest companion to a classic contest of honor – a gentleman’s duel to the death. When two of their friends join the act, the once inseparable group of men inch closer to the day of destiny and test the bonds of their relationship until the moment of no return.
- Release Date
- July 31, 2024
- Director
- Justin Matthews , Luke Spencer Roberts
- Runtime
- 1h 35m
- Writers
- Justin Matthews , Luke Spencer Roberts
- Distributor(s)
- Lionsgate , Iconic Events
- A surprisingly thoughtful and emotional look at conflict, masculinity, and friendship.
- Dylan Sprouse and Callan McAuliffe are excellent and the ending is great.
The Duel carefully balances its tone until a shift is required in the second act. The opening scenes are meant to be humorous. The guys discuss what's happening and engage in goofy hijinks as they try to figure out where the showdown will happen. This leads to a random encounter that takes the group in a completely unexpected direction. New players enter the fray with a bizarre interest in Colin and Woody's beef. They facilitate the duel and thrust the primary characters into frightening realism.
The change in setting forces the former friends to address the violence to come. This is when The Duel truly takes shape as serious and incisive. Sam and Kevin have chosen sides. They each support Colin and Woody without reservations, but hope that something can be done to halt the inevitable. They understand that a chat over coffee will never mend this rift. How can murder bring Colin and Woody peace? Will either be able to forgive themselves in the aftermath? What satisfaction can be drawn from ending the life of someone you loved like a brother?
2:13
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Dylan Sprouse & Callan McAullife Skillfully Explore Masculinity and Friendship
Colin and Woody explain their reasons for proceeding with startling honesty. Colin knew how much Abbie meant to Woody. His pursuit of her wasn't born from jealousy or a casual tryst for sexual satisfaction. Colin loves Abbie. This truth can no longer be hidden. Woody won't let Colin's duplicity stand. He committed a sin that gnaws away at his very soul. Woody's hopes and dreams for a future with Abbie have been shattered beyond repair. He doesn't have the latitude for that level of forgiveness. Neither man can let this sleeping dog lie. Sprouse and McAuliffe are fantastic here, emoting treachery, hatred, and the fire of their inextinguishable resolve.
The Duel addresses the idea of toxic masculinity through older enablers. Warburton's Christof and Ronald Guttman's Rudolpho, a wealthy and lethal cartel leader, have romantic notions of "civilized gentlemen" taking such dire matters into their own hands. They believe peaceful resolution is a fraud perpetuated by the cowardly and feminized liberalization of society. What better way to settle the almost cliché fight over a woman? Death is forever. Colin and Woody's duel will give a final answer to a bitter dispute. This archaic and testosterone-driven point of view is, of course, challenged.
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The Duel Ends with a Bang of Emotion
The film smartly keeps Abbie away from the rising action. Her arrival at the climax is the last ditch, Hail Mary attempt against violence. Matthews brings a much-needed change of perspective with her WTF attitude. Abbie's wracked with guilt but won't let Colin and Woody use her as an excuse. Matthews delivers a spectacular condemnation and profoundly distressing call for peace that hits like a freight train. Colin and Woody's response is equally powerful. The Duel becomes absolutely riveting when the pistols are finally drawn at sunset.
The Duel's outcome isn't predictable but can be logically deduced. The characters aren't foolish lemmings led off a cliff to disaster. Every step taken is done with a progressively clear and saddened conscience, and when it's over, the emotional resonance of it all lingers long after the credits roll.
The Duel is a production of Pigasus Pictures and ToneDeaf Pictures. It will be released theatrical for one-night-only in partnership with Iconic Events on July 31st; get tickets here. That will be eventually followed by VOD and digital distribution from Lionsgate and Grindstone Entertainment Group.
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