Lukas Dhont (Close, Girl) returns with a stunning historical romance between two soldiers during WWI. Coward stands as an epic testament to finding queer freedom and joy even in the darkest of times.

It’s 1916, and two young Belgian soldiers are caught in the brutal realities of the Western Front. Francis (Valentin Campagne) is a flamboyant performer tasked with directing a theatrical troupe of fellow “rejects” to keep soldier morale high. When the quiet, war-weary Pierre (Emmanuel Macchia) is assigned to assist the troupe, an undeniable connection sparks between the two men. As they collaborate on a spirited musical revue to lift the spirits of their dejected comrades, their growing intimacy soon evolves into a deeply moving romantic love story born in the trenches of war.

This grand-scale queer romance won its two leads a richly deserved, shared Best Actor prize at the Cannes Film Festival. The latest entry in Dhont’s acclaimed filmography of queer survival and resilience, following the Queer Palm-winning Girl and Cannes Grand Prix-winning Close, Coward is a breathtakingly tactile and emotionally resonant masterpiece.

Awards and Festivals:  
2026 Cannes Film Festival – Winner of Best Actor
2026 Sydney Film Festival
2026 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
2026 Melbourne International Film Festival