ENTERTAINMENT

Rooney and Kate Mara had to speak in unison in ‘Bucking Fastard’

PUBLISHED Sep 3, 2026, 12:44 PM ET

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Rooney and Kate Mara had to speak in unison in ‘Bucking Fastard’

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 26

Left 8%

Center 92%

Sources: 26

Rooney and Kate Mara premiered Werner Herzog’s “Bucking Fastard” at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday, marking their first film together. They play fictional siblings Jean and Joan Holbrooke, whose bond is expressed through speaking and moving in unison. Herzog said his idea was inspired by British twins Freda and Greta Chaplin, whom he encountered decades ago, but stressed that the new film is fictional. The Maras said their shared childhood made synchronized dialogue feel natural, with Kate comparing it to music. Herzog shortened their planned two-week rehearsal to five days after seeing their progress. Orlando Bloom co-stars as the man both sisters love, while Domhnall Gleeson is also in the cast. The film is an Ireland-U.S. production, runs 109 minutes and is competing for Venice’s Golden Lion. Herzog dedicated the movie to David Lynch, saying he wished Lynch could have seen it. No U.S. release date has been announced.

By James Porter | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On 1980s Britain, Freda and Greta Chaplin attracted tabloid attention.
On 2019, Herzog’s last fictional feature, Family Romance LLC, premiered.
On September 2, 2026, Venice began its 83rd festival edition.
On September 2, 2026, Bucking Fastard held two press screenings.
On September 3, 2026, the Mara sisters premiered together publicly.
On September 3, 2026, Herzog presented his film competitively today.
On September 3, 2026, Reuters reported the synchronized performance details.
On September 3, 2026, reviews diverged over Herzog’s execution overall.
On September 3, 2026, the film remained without U.S. release.
On September 12, 2026, Venice will announce its Golden Lion.
In coming days, critics will continue evaluating the Venice entry.
In coming months, distributors may determine the U.S. release plans.
In awards season, Venice competition results may influence film visibility.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: U.S. audiences gain early visibility into an unusual international film.
Possible long-term US impact: Venice reception could influence U.S. distribution, attention and audience interest.
Most affected groups: American filmgoers, distributors, actors, and Herzog’s U.S. industry partners benefit.
Reader priority: Prioritize festival records, interviews, and independent reviews over social media.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 26
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 2
Neutral:: 24

Explain Framing

Left: Reviews emphasize artistic shortcomings while questioning Herzog’s treatment of eccentric characters. Center: Coverage emphasizes premiere facts, performances, production details, and competing critical reactions.