Cinecity 2026: Coward
15 127 mins
15 127 mins
DIR: LUKAS DHONT. WITH: EMMANUEL MACCHIA, VALENTIN CAMPAGNE. BELGIUM, FRANCE, NETHERLANDS 2026. 127 MINS. FRENCH, DUTCH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES.
A young man’s experience of the First World War is transformed in unexpected ways when he joins a cabaret troupe run by a charismatic director.
When he arrives at the trenches, Pierre becomes fascinated by the theatrical performances staged to raise morale among the soldiers. Joining the group provides Pierre with much-needed escapism. He also finds romance as his relationship develops with the leader of the troupe, Francis. Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne jointly won the Best Actor Award at this year’s Cannes for their lead performances. Director Lukas Dhont’s credits include the award-winners Close and Girl. His latest film is his most expansive depiction of queer love. Despite the horror of war, Pierre and Francis are granted a moment of freedom – however fleeting – in which they can express who they really are.
‘Lukas Dhont brings his delicate, gauzy touch to the muddy hell of World War I with his third film, a gay love story about a young recruit who finds horror and hope in the trenches.’ Phil de Semlyen, Time Out