After unforgivable betrayals, best friends turned worst enemies; they acted drastically in The Duel. This is a comedy film with a twist that tells a dark story. The movie is a deeply thought-out piece of work that explores the difficulties related to justice, loyalty and perceived maleness when resolving issues, among others. They deal with it expertly by opting for gentlemanly combat instead of peace talks like it used to be in the old days. A number of actors create suspense in the duo.
The characters’ responses differ considerably as they move towards an ending that is bearing down upon them.
Colin was Callan McAuliffe’s best friend before sleeping with his long-time girlfriend and fiancé Abbie (Rachel Matthews) – Woody has now sworn to kill him over this act which he views as the ultimate betrayal. When Woody speaks to Colin after an initial period of shock and anger, he suggests that they meet somewhere strange. So every one of them set off driving their own cars from LA to San Diego – Kevin being Colin’s buddy and Sam being Woody’s pal.
Both parties end up at an antique dealer named Christof (Patrick Warburton), whom Woody contacted for assistance in settling scores with Colin. He then proposes that they fight each other until death occurs. As for Sam and Kevin who are close associates of Colin, they were astonished when he agreed to this offer because he was very angry and bitter about what had just happened. There’s no turning back anymore since things will never be the same again between us. Thus friendship ends.A fascinated Christof explains the classic rules of dueling.
Colin must make choices along with Woody concerning their weapons while Sam and Kevin stand behind both as ‘seconds’, respectively looking out for space and time.
Until a shift becomes necessary during the second half, The Duel maintains its tone masterfully throughout Act 1. The beginning scenes should be funny.As such, their conversation revolves around their mystery destination and they play antic games on their way.Woody’s secret admirer has a very strange fetish and that begins to make sense when the new characters are introduced in bizarre settings.These fans of their quarrel direct it, so the two guys will have to fight against each other for real.
This change in location allows old friends to face the future. Thus is when The Duel truly takes shape as serious and incisive. Sam and Kevin have made up their minds as well because they back Colin or Woody with no reservations, but want them to find ways of stopping whatever must happen next. They know that coffee can never fix this divide. In what way can killing bring peace? Post event forgiveness is not possible?None of this could be indicative of any satisfaction from killing someone who one was as close to you as your own brother?
The honesty in which Colin and Woody provide reasons for their decision is shocking.Colin went for Abbie because he knew how much she meant to Woody.He wasn’t driven by envy nor did he just want a casual affair with her; He is actually in love with Abbie.This truth can no longer be hidden.As such, Woody cannot let such betrayal pass unpunished! He committed an unforgivable crime, which has eaten at his soul ever since.Woody’s expectation of him being together with Abbie is now irreparable destroyed.Don’t expect him to be able forgive what his best friend did.It’s too much pressure for either man involved here.Saying that would mean living a lie. Sprouse and McAuliffe are amazing in this scene – conveying deceit, animosity and the burning desire they still carry within themselves.
The older men enabling toxic masculinity is what The Duel’s about. In Warburton’s Christof and Rudolpho played by Ronald Guttman, wealthy and lethal cartel leader, they have a romantic idea of “civilized gentlemen” taking these matters in their own hands. They believe that peaceful resolution is nothing but hoax perpetuated by cowards and weaklings who give up to the feminization of society. How else can you solve a fight between two men over a woman? To die means forever. Colin and Woody will settle this bitter argument with a duel.
Of course, this archaic testosterone driven point of view is challenged.
The movie wisely keeps Abbie out of the rising action. It ends with Abbie showing up at the climax in an attempt to stop violence as a lost cause. Matthews provides some much-needed perspective change through her WTF attitude. But Abbie doesn’t let them use her for guilt-purging purposes: she’s racked with it too. As if thrown down there by divine hand, Matthews’ stunning condemnation thundered towards earth like a charged freight train from the sky that left you flat on your back gasping for air. And it does not take long before we realize that Colin and Woody are just as powerful in their answer to Matthews’ provocation.
Once again The Duel becomes completely engrossing when sunset approaches and pistols are finally drawn.
It cannot be foreseen how the Duel will end, although reasonable predictions are possible based on logical deduction only. These characters are not blind followers heading towards disaster like lemmings do from cliffs; every step taken leaves behind progressively clearer conscience filled with sadness, and at its conclusion one cannot help feeling emotional resonance emerging from all those details still remaining behind after the scroll reads finished.
Pigasus Pictures produced The Duel along with ToneDeaf Pictures.The film hits theaters for one night only through Iconic Events on July 31st; tickets are available here. After that will come VOD and digital distribution via Lionsgate and Grindstone Entertainment Group.
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