Lukas Dhont film Coward explores queer love during World War I

Belgian filmmaker Lukas Dhont’s latest film, “Coward,” explores themes of queer love, identity, and survival set against the backdrop of the First World War. The story follows Pierre, a young Belgian soldier, as he navigates the brutal realities of trench warfare and finds unexpected intimacy and refuge within a traveling cabaret troupe.

Starring Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne—who previously shared the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival—the film contrasts the violence of the battlefield with the theatrical escapism of the performers. “Coward” has been selected as Belgium’s official submission for the Academy Awards and has been featured at festivals such as TIFF and CineCity.