Instead of retreading antiwar themes so brilliantly evoked in films like All Quiet on the Western Front (1930, 1979, and 2022) Lukas Dhont’s third feature film delivers a poignant character film that explores hope, love, the horrors of war and the shattering of youth and the illusions they hold for their lives.

Pierre (Emmanuel Macchia) is a young Belgian soldier on his way the front in World War I. He and his fellow are initially idealistic and swallow and regurgitate the patriotism-inspiring propaganda to lift their spirits and gird their courage.

As the film progresses and the horrors of the battlefield and trenches seep into his perceptions, Pierre is confronted with he cold reality of what war really is. He watches fellows and friends fall to Shell Shock; PTSD was an unknown thing at the time, and soldiers were simply told to get over it and carry on.

When an injury relegates him to the Reject section of the regiment, he works with other soldiers to put on entertainments for soldiers and generals alike. He also finds himself attracted to Francis (Valentin Campagne), and the two men find themselves falling in love against the most horrific of backdrops.

Pierre slowly finds himself wanting out of the war and the horrors he’s besieged with, and wants Francis to come with, but there is a freedom to their lives that may not be permitted in the ‘regular’ world. Where conflicts of the world and the heart meet, life changing decisions will be made.

Predominantly shot in medium and close-up shots with a soft focus the film puts the viewer in Pierre’s headspace, his breathing dominating everything we perceive. We are given a collection of moments that form an experiential narrative, a narrative that is guided by loss and the discovery of self.

Macchia gives a predominantly silent performance, letting his eyes and expressions do the heavy lifting, allowing the viewer to project their own emotions onto him, while Campagne walks a fine line between charming that edges up to the line of flamboyant. Together, they are charming and the chemistry between the two is palatable, and makes for a powerful emotional arc.

Coward screens twice at TIFF this year, you can catch it Sunday evening at the Lightbox, or Monday evening at Scotiabank Theatre.