Herzog's 'Bucking Fastard' Unites Mara Sisters in Synchronized Venice Premiere

Key points

• The film follows sisters Jean and Joan Holbrook, who share dreams, love interests, and speech patterns.
• It is inspired by real-life Yorkshire twins Freda and Greta Chaplin, who became tabloid sensations after stalking a neighbor.
• Orlando Bloom and Domhnall Gleeson round out the cast, with Bloom playing a limo driver the sisters pursue.
• Herzog dedicated the film to late director David Lynch, expressing regret that Lynch could not attend the premiere.
• The project had been in development for years, with Herzog stating it only became feasible after meeting the Mara sisters.

Background

This is the first time Rooney and Kate Mara have shared the screen. Rooney is known for 'The Social Network' and 'Carol,' while Kate is recognized for 'House of Cards' and 'American Horror Story.' Herzog, a veteran of the Venice Film Festival, previously premiered films like 'Scream of Stone' and 'Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans' there. The film’s title is a spoonerism reportedly uttered by the real Chaplin twins in court.

How outlets are covering it

Variety highlights the ease with which the Mara sisters achieved synchronized dialogue, noting their 'unspoken rhythm' and minimal rehearsal needs. In contrast, Vulture critic Bilge Ebiri argues the film is 'cinematically dull' and fails to capture the 'fearsome, inexplicable beauty' of the source material. Ebiri notes that while the performance is incantatory, the dry filming style and inconsistent characterization prevent the audience from fully engaging with the protagonists. Variety emphasizes the natural chemistry between the sisters, while Vulture questions whether Herzog’s recent sober approach has diminished his visionary potential.

Why it matters

The film represents a significant return to fiction for Herzog and a unique collaborative effort for the Mara sisters. Its premiere at Venice signals a major release for the 2026 festival season, though critical reception suggests a divide between the technical achievement of the performance and the overall narrative impact.

What to watch

The film is expected to continue its festival run following the Venice premiere. No specific theatrical release dates have been announced in the provided sources, but the film’s presence in competition at Venice suggests a high-profile rollout.