Lukas Dhont's new film, Coward, set during the first world war, presents a heartfelt examination of cowardice and lives lived in secret amid the brutality of battle. The title word is never spoken in the film, but its relevance is unmistakable. On the western front, Belgian soldiers receive permission to form a theatrical troupe, often performing in drag, to entertain their comrades behind the lines and boost morale. This setup echoes the now-despised 1970s BBC comedy It Ain't Half Hot Mum, though Dhont's approach is earnest and researched.
Plot and Characters
The motley band of rejects, excused from frontline combat for various reasons, is led by Francis (Valentin Campagne), a tailor in civilian life who has blossomed in his new wartime role. He is exuberant, mischievous, and genuinely committed to his theatrical art. The troupe's entertainments are professionally accomplished, featuring instruments like flutes and clarinets. Pierre (Emmanuel Macchia), a stolidly handsome and shy soldier, becomes fascinated by the theatrical types and Francis himself. He deliberately stabs his own hand with a bayonet to join the group.
Themes of Cowardice and Love
The actors endure accusations of cowardice, both covert and open. For Francis and Pierre, this charge becomes more complex as their love affair deepens. They contemplate deserting to a neutral country like Switzerland or Spain to openly affirm their identities. But is that cowardice? The troupe performs not only racy shows for the ranks but also intimate revues for high-ranking officers, children's shows for wounded soldiers, and patriotic vignettes for troops heading into battle.
Francis is a fierce disciplinarian, demanding that Pierre and others fulfill their duty to provide escapism. He candidly admits his love for the theatricals and even the war itself. 'We are free here,' he tells Pierre, free to express themselves artistically, romantically, and erotically. The war has given them a chance to be who they are, but like life and love, it may be all too brief—a poignant paradox.
Performances and Direction
Valentin Campagne and Emmanuel Macchia deliver committed performances as secret lovers in the shadow of war. The film is well-acted and heartfelt, though its message and delivery are somewhat predictable. Coward screened at the Cannes film festival, offering a valuable if earnest take on love and identity amidst conflict.
