The word of the title is never spoken in Lukas Dhont's new film, yet its weight hangs over every scene. Set on the western front during the first world war, 'Coward' follows a group of Belgian soldiers who form a theatrical troupe—often performing in drag—to entertain their comrades behind the lines and boost morale. This premise echoes the now-controversial 1970s BBC comedy 'It Ain't Half Hot Mum', but Dhont's approach is far more earnest and heartfelt.
A Band of Rejects Finds Purpose
The motley crew, excused from frontline combat for various reasons, is led by Francis (Valentin Campagne), a tailor in civilian life who has blossomed in the role war has given him. He is exuberant, mischievous, and genuinely committed to his theatrical art. Their performances appear professionally accomplished, raising questions about historical accuracy—did WWI variety shows really feature flute and clarinet players? One soldier, Pierre (Emmanuel Macchia), is a stolid, handsome introvert fascinated by the troupe and particularly by Francis. In a desperate bid to join them, he deliberately stabs his own hand with a bayonet on the battlefield.
Accusations of Cowardice
All the actors face covert or open accusations of cowardice. For Francis and Pierre, the charge becomes more complex as their love affair deepens. They contemplate desertion—fleeing to a neutral country like Switzerland or Spain to live openly. But is that courage or cowardice? The film explores this paradox through the troupe's varied performances: racy shows for the ranks, intimate revues for high-ranking officers who behave boorishly, children's entertainments for horribly wounded soldiers in hospitals, and stirring patriotic vignettes for troops about to enter battle.
Discipline and Freedom
Francis is a fierce disciplinarian, as tough as any sergeant, demanding that Pierre and others prioritize their duty to provide escapism. He candidly admits, 'We are free here'—free to express themselves artistically, romantically, and erotically. The war, he suggests, has given them a chance to be who they truly are. Yet like life and love, the war may be all too brief. This paradox lies at the heart of the film.
Performances and Predictability
While 'Coward' offers much that is valuable and interesting, it is somewhat predictable in what it says and how it says it. However, Campagne and Macchia deliver committed performances as secret lovers in the shadow of war. The film screened at the Cannes film festival, where it garnered attention for its heartfelt examination of cowardice and lives lived in secret amid brutality.
