Kate and Rooney Mara play synchronized Irish sisters in Werner Herzog’s new film, 'Bucking Fastard', which premiered at the Venice Film Festival.
Kate and Rooney Mara have taken on leading roles in the drama Bucking Fastard, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog. The film premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival on September 5, 2026. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Mara sisters portray Irish siblings, Jean and Joan Holbrooke, who are characterized by their unique bond—they speak, think, and dream in unison.
In Bucking Fastard, the sisters navigate a tumultuous emotional landscape after their neighbor and former lover, Gareth Mulroney, marries another woman. This propels them into a series of chaotic events, including acts of arson and being assigned a social worker played by Domhnall Gleeson as they struggle to adapt to modern life. The film draws inspiration from real-life twins, Freda and Greta Chaplin, who became tabloid sensations in the early '80s.
Herzog, known for his distinctive filmmaking style in projects such as Grizzly Man and Fitzcarraldo, expresses confidence in the performances of the Mara sisters, stating that their synchronized portrayal was both a creative challenge and a rewarding experience.
The film received a notably warm reception, culminating in a six-and-a-half-minute standing ovation during its premiere. This enthusiastic response suggests that audiences are intrigued by Herzog’s innovative storytelling and the dynamic brought by the Mara sisters.
Kate and Rooney Mara emphasized the unique nature of their roles in a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter. The sisters highlighted the challenge of performing their roles in unison, likening it to a musical rhythm they had to master together. According to Kate, the collaboration felt “magical,” and they relied on a voice coach prior to working with Herzog to develop their synchronized performance.
Rooney noted that the experience was unlike anything they had encountered before, as they essentially crafted a single performance rather than two separate portrayals. Herzog reflected on the focused nature of the shooting process, relying on minimal takes and a quiet set to create a conducive environment for their performances.
Herzog’s reputation as a filmmaker precedes him, often associated with intense and provocative narratives. In discussing his working methods, he explained, “I’m the most organized, the most focused, the most friendly person you will ever see on a set.” He stated that misconceptions about his directorial style often stem from media portrayals, which he characterizes as misrepresentations.
The director emphasizes the importance of harnessing passion in filmmaking, urging fellow creators to “dream big, but please do the doable.” This sentiment mirrors the film's themes of aspiration and determination, resonating with both the Mara sisters and Herzog as they collectively crafted this original project.
The debut of Bucking Fastard at Venice showcases the talents of Kate and Rooney Mara in an unprecedented dual role and marks another significant entry in Herzog’s distinguished filmography. As film enthusiasts and critics alike dissect the layers of this creatively ambitious project, the Mara sisters’ unique portrayal of synchronized characters may pave the way for more innovative narrative structures in cinema. The reception of this film could influence future casting and directing decisions within the industry, as audiences respond positively to its experimental storytelling techniques.
For further insights into the talent behind Bucking Fastard and more emerging films, check out our coverage on Mike Leigh’s ‘Tender Loving Care’ at Telluride and Lee Chang-dong’s return with ‘Possible Love’.
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