Herzog’s ‘Bucking Fastard’ Divides Critics at Venice as Mara Sisters Sync for Competition
Werner Herzog’s new film, 'Bucking Fastard,' has premiered at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, marking his return to fiction after a seven-year gap. The film stars real-life sisters Kate and Rooney Mara as identical twins who speak and move in unison, a performance technique Herzog achieved by having the actors hum childhood songs until their rhythms aligned. While the film received a standing ovation at its premiere, critical reception is sharply divided, with some praising its eccentricity and others calling it a waste of talent. Herzog, now 84, declined an out-of-competition slot at Cannes to ensure the Maras could compete for acting awards in Venice. The film is dedicated to David Lynch, whose recent focus on transcendental meditation Herzog noted created a barrier to their collaboration. Herzog also expressed strong disdain for AI-generated film, calling it 'mimicry' that lacks true storytelling.
Key points
- Werner Herzog, aged 84, premiered 'Bucking Fastard' at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2026.
- The film stars Kate and Rooney Mara as twins who speak in unison, a technique achieved through synchronized humming rather than traditional breathing exercises.
- Herzog declined an out-of-competition slot at Cannes to allow the Mara sisters to compete for acting awards in Venice.
- Critical reviews are polarized, with IndieWire praising the performance and The Guardian calling the film a 'dud' that wastes the leads' talents.
- Herzog dedicated the film to David Lynch but noted their recent interactions were hindered by Lynch's focus on transcendental meditation.
- Herzog criticized AI-generated films as 'mimicry' and 'abysmally stupid,' arguing they lack genuine storytelling.
Background
Herzog's 'Bucking Fastard' is his first fiction feature since 2019. The project was greenlit after producer Jeremy Thomas suggested pairing the Mara sisters, and the script was written in five days. The film is loosely inspired by the real-life identical twins Freda and Greta Chaplin, who were known for speaking in unison and were involved in a publicized court case in the 1980s. The film is being handled by HanWay Films for North American distribution and has also screened at the Telluride Film Festival.
How outlets are covering it
IndieWire highlights the technical ingenuity of the Mara sisters' performance and Herzog's ability to elicit peak performances from his cast, noting the film's 'acquired taste' appeal. In contrast, The Guardian criticizes the film as a 'dud' that 'systematically wastes the audience's time,' arguing that the characters are 'essentially just silly' and that the film loses its way scene by scene. Vogue focuses on the fashion aspect, noting the Maras' coordinated black-and-white red carpet looks, which mirror their on-screen synchronicity. The Film Experience source was inaccessible due to a security error and provided no content.
Why it matters
The film represents a significant return to fiction for a legendary director at an advanced age, showcasing a unique performance methodology that challenges traditional acting techniques. The polarized critical reception highlights the ongoing debate regarding the value of eccentric, experimental cinema versus conventional narrative structure. Additionally, Herzog's public stance against AI in filmmaking adds to the broader industry conversation about the role of artificial intelligence in creative arts.
What to watch
The film will next screen at the Toronto and New York film festivals. Herzog is currently finishing another film and working on a book with publishing house Taschen featuring photos of his 80+ films. The Mara sisters will continue their promotional tour, and the film will seek North American distribution through HanWay Films.
- Werner Herzog on David Lynch, AI, and Why His Unhinged New Film ‘Bucking Fastard’ Skipped Cannes for Venice IndieWire
- Kate and Rooney Mara Are Winning the Venice Film Festival Red Carpet Vogue
- Bucking Fastard review – Herzog’s starry twins soap provokes a syncing feeling The Guardian
- Venice: The Mara Sisters in "Bucking Fastard" The Film Experience
- Kate & Rooney Mara's Sister Style Is in Sync in Venice wmagazine.com
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