Lukas Dhont's 'Coward' Explores WWI Gay Romance Through a Belgian Army Troupe

7 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 22

WWI Belgium-set drama 'Coward' follows soldiers allowed to form a theatrical troupe in drag, using performances behind the lines to lift morale while drawing accusations of cowardice.
Pierre, a shy soldier, deliberately wounds his hand to join the group and begins a secret affair with Francis, the tailor-turned-ringleader whose devotion to the troupe rivals any sergeant's discipline.
Their romance deepens into talk of desertion to neutral countries such as Switzerland or Spain, even as the troupe performs for officers, hospital patients and troops heading into battle.
The review says Lukas Dhont's film finds a striking paradox: war gives the men rare artistic and erotic freedom, though the story is judged heartfelt and well acted rather than surprising.
Premiering at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, Dhont's third feature stars Valentin Campagne and Emmanuel Macchia and is still seeking U.S. distribution.

How does a WWI battlefield become the unlikely sanctuary for a queer romance in Lukas Dhont's latest film?

Is the 'happy ending' in Dhont's WWI romance an artistic evolution or an 'emotional cheat' for modern audiences?

How true is 'Coward' to the real-life soldier drag troupes that entertained troops during World War I?