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.
Cannes shared best actor award for magnificent leads Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne.