Most people would probably think of classic westerns when it comes to the concept of a duel. Typically, this means two challengers, with only one ending up alive after the shots ring out during a man-to-man faceoff. As we learn very quickly thanks to an apt narration by Patrick Warburton, this legendary gentleman’s tradition comes to the modern day when two spiteful best friends clash. No stranger to narrating duties, Warburton has previously proved his monotone voice and imposing figure make for quite the show as Lemony Snicket in Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. Unfortunately, there simply isn’t enough Warburton here to leave much of an impression. An empty script also attempts to make the most of a fascinating ensemble, including Dylan Sprouse, Callan McAuliffe, Denny Love, and Hart Denton. The Duel wastes a potentially interesting concept with far too much exposition and minimal dueling. The titular duel does not even occur into an hour and thirty minutes into the hour and thirty-nine minute movie—what are we even doing here?
As the film begins, Woody (McAuliffe) puts forth a total act of war by burning the legendary surfboard of his best friend’s father, alongside his right hand man, Kevin (Denton). Woody’s foggy intentions are quickly revealed, as we switch gears to the viewpoint of Colin (Sprouse) and his friend, Sam (Love), who have met at a tiki spot near Venice Beach. Colin has been actively engaging in an affair with Woody’s girlfriend, Abby (Rachel Matthews), and now Woody wants a duel to settle the score. At one point, this unit of four was a solid friend group; this affair has caused a divide straight down the center, resulting in Kevin and Sam having to take sides.
Once they meet in person, the mysterious Christof (Warburton) brings them all into his bizarre weapons shop, where he doubles down on the traditions and setup of a classic duel. From here, things only get stranger, as border crossing, a sprawling estate, drug laundering, and tales of classic duels all factor in to the greater whole. The Duel remains more interested in relationship politics and long-winded talks about duel rules than in any type of action. The filmmakers appear to have nixed flashbacks that would flesh out the friendships of all involved, instead opting to thrust the group into increasingly troubled waters to see how they will react.
The production lacks in many ways, particularly when it comes to scenes dragging on for far too long. An early moment when Woody and Kevin have a full-blown conversation whilst peeing outdoors directly next to one another goes on for what feels like an eternity, all while we are supposed to suspend disbelief at them both still urinating. Any jokes miss the mark too, like a later section where Mexico gets compared to hell. The stakes lack texture, failing to provide any adequate reason as to why we should give one iota of care to the fates of either of these two men. Sprouse and McAuliffe do what they can, but never actually seem believable as friends. A failure to develop a genuine bond between any of these four characters, and a strange tonal juggling between comedy and drama leads to one truly forgettable duel in need of a serious energy readjustment.
Smack into the wild world of The Duel, releasing as a one-night-only theatrical event in partnership with Iconic Events on Wednesday, July 31st.
