A few weeks after winning the César for best actor in a supporting role for his interpretation in the Balzac historical drama "Lost Illusions" by Xavier Giannoli, here he is again in dark rooms on Wednesday with "From our wounded brothers".

In this free adaptation of the novel by Joseph Andras - Goncourt prize for the first novel in 2016 - by Hélier Cisterne ("Vandal", 2013), he plays Fernand Iveton, who was the only European executed during the Algerian war (1954 -1962) because of his actions with the FLN.

Not a film about the Algerian war, "Of our wounded brothers" further explores the intimate and personal lives of Fernand Iveton, both impacted by the war.

By getting involved with the FLN, is he betraying his family?

And his country, France?

But by looking away from the situation of the Algerians, isn't he betraying his moral values?

Never resolved, these questions are at the heart of the film.

Discovered at 16

"I liked the story right away," says the actor in an interview with AFP.

"Telling the journey of an ordinary hero overwhelmed by events and his moral commitment, I found it to be very strong".

A role that takes him out of his comfort zone, he who is a regular in comedies?

"I like all genres, although it's true that I started out doing comedies. In fact, I hope I will continue to do them because that's what I really like, but it does not prevent me from entering other universes”, he says.

Discovered at the age of 16 in "Les Beaux Gosses", the first feature film by Riad Sattouf (2009), which over the years has become a tutelary figure for the actor, he drags his childish pout and his innate comic strength from film to film for ten years.

French actor Vincent Lacoste and actress Anais Demoustier during the 47th edition of the Césars on February 25, 2022 in Paris Geoffroy VAN DER HASSELT AFP

Alternating big productions like "Asterix and Obelix: In the service of His Majesty" (2012) and more confidential films like "Deux fils" (2018), he can boast of having worked with big names in French cinema like Jean-Pierre Bacri, who died in 2021, ("Right now", 2016) Gérard Depardieu ("Saint Amour", 2016), Virginie Efira ("Victoria", 2016) or Léa Seydoux ("Diary of a chambermaid" , 2015).

Anxious

"I am very lucky to do this job that I love and I try to do it with passion. I am very happy that it is going like this for the moment", he replies when AFP asks him about his filmography.

And to add: "Besides, I don't really realize".

At 28, he has already appeared in around thirty films.

However, the image of “young actor” – title of the first volume of the trilogy dedicated to him by Riad Sattouf released on November 4 – sticks to his skin.

"Vincent is someone who has a real freshness and who immediately inspires you with sympathy", underlines the director Hélier Cisterne.

French actor Vincent Lacoste during the 47th edition of the Césars on February 25, 2022 in Paris LOU BENOIST AFP / Archives

However, be careful not to be mistaken.

Because under his air of an eternal nonchalant and laughing teenager hides in reality a somewhat shy hard worker: "I am someone who is quite anxious even if it is not visible (laughs). So yes, I like to prepare my roles. Preparing myself for each shoot is essential", he says.

Nominated five times for the Césars, it was not until the 5th time that he could leave with his first statuette.

"It made me happy," he recalls between two jokes.

The role of Etienne Lousteau in "Lost Illusions" was "an exceptional role", he confides.

And to conclude: "This film will always have a special place for me".

© 2022 AFP