Herzog’s ‘Bucking Fastard’ Premieres at Venice, Reuniting Mara Sisters in Unison

Key points

• Bucking Fastard premiered at the 83rd Venice Film Festival on September 3, 2026, receiving a nearly seven-minute standing ovation.
• The film stars Kate and Rooney Mara as Jean and Joan Holbrook, sisters who speak in synchronized unison, a feat the actors described as feeling 'musical' and natural.
• Werner Herzog, 83, wrote the script in five days after realizing the Mara sisters could fulfill a concept he had pursued for 45 years, inspired by real-life British twins Freda and Greta Chaplin.
• Orlando Bloom plays the object of the sisters' affections, a role Herzog described as a departure from Bloom's typical 'heartthrob' image.
• The film is dedicated to the late David Lynch, with whom Herzog shared a deep professional understanding.
• No U.S. release date has been announced for the film.

Background

This is the first time Kate and Rooney Mara have appeared together in a film. Herzog had previously explored the concept of synchronized twins in his work but found it difficult to realize until the suggestion to use the Mara sisters. The film is loosely inspired by the 1980s case of British twins Freda and Greta Chaplin, who became tabloid figures due to a stalking incident, though Herzog has stated the story is a complete invention.

How outlets are covering it

Vulture critic Bilge Ebiri praised the ambition of the project but criticized the execution, calling the film 'cinematically dull' and noting that the dry filming style failed to evoke emotion for the protagonists. Ebiri argued that the film could have been more 'transcendentally nuttier' and that the sisters' dysfunction felt like a plot contrivance. In contrast, Newsday highlighted the positive reception, noting the standing ovation and the actors' enjoyment of the process. Rooney Mara described the unison speaking as 'daunting' but ultimately fun, while Kate Mara noted it felt 'musical.' W Magazine focused on the sisters' red carpet coordination, noting their synchronized black-and-white styling, which mirrored the film's theme of unity. The outlets differ in their emphasis: Vulture focuses on critical reception and artistic merit, while Newsday and W Magazine highlight the promotional and personal aspects of the premiere.

Why it matters

The premiere of Bucking Fastard marks a significant return to fiction for Werner Herzog, a director known more for his documentaries in recent years. The film's reception, particularly the standing ovation, suggests audience interest, but critical reviews may influence its commercial prospects. The collaboration between the Mara sisters, who have never worked together before, is a notable event in Hollywood, and the film's dedication to David Lynch adds a layer of cultural significance. The lack of a U.S. release date indicates uncertainty about its distribution strategy.

What to watch

The film's critical reception will likely determine its distribution and potential awards recognition. The Venice Film Festival is a key indicator for the Oscars, and a strong performance here could boost its chances. The absence of a U.S. release date suggests that the film may be seeking a distributor or may be released in a limited capacity. The actors' positive comments about the process may also influence future collaborations.