We have a first look clip here from Coward, the first feature directed by Belgian filmmaker Lukas Dhont since his breakout 2022 film Close. Check out the clip above. 

Coward debuts tonight in Competition at Cannes. The film stars Emmanuel Macchia in his debut film performance alongside Valentin Campagne (Colours of Time). 

The film’s official synopsis reads: “As the First World War drags on, Pierre, a soldier newly arrived at the front, is eager to prove himself. Behind the lines, he meets Francis, who decides to lift the spirits of his comrades by putting together a theatre show. While the violence continues, both men try to find ways to escape the brutality of war, even if only for a moment.”

Coward is a Reunion, Lumen, Topkapi Films & Versus (Opus) production in co-production with France 2 Cinéma, VTM, RTBF, Proximus, BeTV & Orange. The film was produced in association with The Common Humanity Art Trust and Portobello Productions. 

The film will be distributed in Benelux by Lumière and in France by Diaphana Distribution. Mubi has acquired Coward in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand. Mubi also released Dhont’s Close, which was nominated for the Best International Feature Film Oscar. 

Check out the clip for Coward above. 

Cannes runs until May 23.