Content Warning: the following article contains discussions of sexual violence
Ridley Scott's The Last Duel is a historical epic unlike any other he's made in his storied career. With a sharp and timely political context, it's a challenging film with top-notch performances from Matt Damon, Jodie Comer, Adam Driver, and Ben Affleck. Damon, Affleck, and Nicole Holofcener co-wrote the script, which is filled with a diverse array of individuals living in terrible times.
Not many characters in The Last Duel are particularly likable, but they are very thoroughly characterized. In fact, each one can be assigned to their own category on a horoscope as they all display unique characteristics that correspond to one or more of the twelve signs of the zodiac.
Aries – Sir Jean De Carrouges
The ram says whatever they want and views life as a winnable game. An Aries will also become furious without having the self-awareness to analyze why.
Matt Damon's Sir Jean de Carrouges is all of these things and more. First and foremost, he's abusive to his wife, Marguerite de Carrouges. When she tells him she was raped by Jacque Le Gris, instead of consoling her in any way, he grabs her by the throat. Sir Jean is not a good man by any definition, the same way he's far from being one of The Last Duel's smartest characters.
Taurus – Sir Robert De Thibouville
A Taurus is the type of person who values intimacy, yet has a tendency to remain in their home. The Bull loves for things to stay the same, all the way down to typically wearing the same clothes on a daily basis.
Sir Robert de Thibouville, the father of Marguerite de Carrouges, has little role in the narrative outside of being subject to debates about his land. Sir Jean de Carrouges wants to marry the man's daughter, but it's apparent that a substantial motivation is obtaining the land. He even resists Jacques Le Gris on turning it over to pay his debts (and then some). Thibouville wants to stay exactly where he is.
Gemini – Jacques Le Gris' Opinion Of Himself
Geminis are famously symbolized Castor and Pollux, two twin mythological figures who represent two or more signs to an individual. Twins are sociable people with a strong sense of humor. They also have a bit of knowledge about almost every topic.
Adam Driver's Jacques Le Gris is essentially shown in three separate lights (like Sir Jean and Marguerite). In his third, he very clearly sees himself as a Gemini. He thinks he knows everything (trying to dominate Marguerite with book knowledge as opposed to just talking about books) and also considers himself a comedian when in the presence of fellow lothario Count Pierre d'Alençon. He is a typical Gemini in that he has many different sides to his personality, which often conflict with one another.
Cancer – Crespin
The crab is the sensitive type who tends to be uncomfortable in any given situation. They don't have many pressure points, but the one they have better not be crossed because they'll forgive, but never forget.
Marton Csokas' Crespin may be experienced in combat, but he seems like he's also a caring soul. He enjoys seeing de Carrouges and Le Gris reconcile during the film's (recurring) party scene. Furthermore, during the titular duel, he's ecstatic about seeing the perpetrator go down (even if it is more about seeing his friend survive). Crespin doesn't seem like a typical Cancer, but he shows just enough sensitivity and caring in his scenes to be correctly designated as one.
Leo – Jacques Le Gris
A typical Leo is a creative type who has the desire to be seen. They want a lavish environment that can match their oversized personality. As embodied by a lion, Leos are typically bold and self-centered people who are impatient and demanding.
Jacques Le Gris has a clear desire for power and readily embraces the affluence displayed by Pierre d'Alençon. He thinks the rules don't apply to him and takes advantage of his power. This is done both by strong-arming the citizens of Limoges as well as sexually assaulting Marguerite de Carrouges. It's a great performance that gets the audience excited for Driver and Scott's upcoming House of Gucci.
Virgo – Marguerite De Carrouges
A Virgo is whip-smart with an introverted demeanor. These signs can feel at home when contributing to something much larger than themselves. As played by Jodie Comer in what many consider one of her best roles to date, Marguerite de Carrouges is an avid reader with a wide knowledge base. Furthermore, like most Virgos, she's great at solving problems such as the mistreatment of horses. And, by refusing to stay silent (especially in 1386), she bravely took on an overwhelmingly oppressive system that was much larger than herself.
Libra – Le Coq
Libras need to be with people but cringe at the thought of conflict. Usually represented by the Scales of Justice, Libras delve into fantasy as a defense mechanism if a fight arises and they are involved in the conflict.
There's no better Libra in The Last Duel than Le Coq. He essentially serves as the prosecutor in the church's chaotic legal system. He bombards Marguerite with wildly inappropriate questions based on some laughable variation of "science." He's an individual firmly planted in fantasy, utterly unfeeling in regards to the deathly result of his actions and words.
Scorpio – Marie
Scorpion signs are intense, with a gaze that can be entrapping. They are fairly unreadable and will betray friend or foe without a second thought.
Marie, ostensibly a close friend to Marguerite de Carrouges, betrays her the first chance she gets. She doesn't believe de Carrouges' (truthful) account of events, instead choosing to believe her friend slept with Le Gris by her own volition. Furthermore, Marie even goes to the church and reveals that her friend once called the perpetrator attractive. That's important, considering Marie knows that the punishment for bearing false witness is being burned at the stake.
Sagittarius – Pierre D'Alençon
A Sagittarius is fueled by emotion over reason and treats the truth like it's a sword as opposed to a means of helping others. Pierre d'Alençon is a puppet master of sorts, essentially standing back to watch people fight in his stead. He's a Count but acts like he's the King, wielding his (ultimately limited) power to get Le Gris out of trouble. Even still, it's hard to believe he would do so out of love or friendship as much as he'd do it out of need. There are few scenes where he's not disparaging someone or turning brother against brother, and Le Gris is his go-to guy for many things. He is a true Scorpion who rules with his heart instead of his head.
Capricorn – Nicole De Buchard
Capricorns are typically embodied by a sea goat and are old souls since youth. Duty is a priority but they also display a cold demeanor to others. To them, success is far more important than any emotional interchange.
As the mother to Sir Jean de Carrouges, Nicole de Buchard doesn't want the duel to take place. In fact, her duty as a mother seems to be something she values to an unhealthy extent, as she frequently berates Marguerite for no reason at all (and sometimes very cruelly). She may not be likable, but de Buchard is one of The Last Duel's best characters.
Aquarius – Bernard De Latour
The Water Bearer is the type of individual who dives into conspiracy theories. They also embrace the life of an outcast via valuing personal freedom above all.
It is shown in Bernard de Latour's limited screentime that he is perfectly willing to believe the so-called court's official opinion. As they see it, a rape cannot result in a pregnancy. Pleasure is required (from both parties) in order for conception to take place. The court calls it science, but it's a conspiracy theory.
Pisces – King Charles VI
Embodied by the fish, Pisces signs can seem wise and childish, often within the same moment. Their conceptualization of dreams and reality can frequently be mixed, with them viewing everything as a lofty sign.
Alex Lawther doesn't get many lines as King Charles VI, but his energy screams Pisces. He is a young man, so he arguably has the right to be childish. But the way he giddily jumps in his seat at the thought of carnage makes the viewer question whether or not he has a full grasp of the beauty and impermanence of life.