# Herzog’s ‘Bucking Fastard’ Review: Sisters in Sync

- Topic: cinema
- Source: [The Hollywood Reporter](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/bucking-fastard-review-kate-mara-rooney-mara-werner-herzog-1236689447/)
- Published: 2026-09-03
- Original: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/bucking-fastard-review-kate-mara-rooney-mara-werner-herzog-1236689447/
- Language: en

## At a glance

- Herzog’s Bucking Fastard centers on twin sisters who act in perfect sync, creating a surreal narrative.
- The film blends courtroom drama, romance, and a tunnel‑building quest, showcasing Herzog’s signature absurdity.
- Kate and Rooney Mara deliver a disciplined performance, with synchronized movements and shared dialogue.
- Critics praise the film’s visual flair but criticize its fragmented storyline and lack of resolution.

## Sources

- [The Hollywood Reporter](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/bucking-fastard-review-kate-mara-rooney-mara-werner-herzog-1236689447/)

## The story

Werner Herzog’s latest feature, Bucking Fastard, follows Irish sisters Jean and Joan Holbrooke, played by Kate and Rooney Mara, who share a single mind and body. The film opens with the sisters recounting a shared dream of squawking birds, a motif that recurs as they navigate a bizarre court case, a failed romance, and a tunnel‑building obsession. Herzog pairs the sisters’ synchronized movements with a quirky ensemble that includes Orlando Bloom as their former lover, Domhnall Gleeson as a social‑services worker, and a host of supporting actors. The director’s signature surrealism is evident in the film’s absurd set pieces, such as a courtroom that allows two witnesses to testify simultaneously and a scene where the sisters are photographed while undressing. Critics note that the film’s humor and visual style are reminiscent of Herzog’s earlier work, yet the narrative feels fragmented and underdeveloped. The score by Ernst Reijseger and the film’s dedication to David Lynch add to its off‑beat atmosphere. Despite its ambition, Bucking Fastard ultimately falls short of delivering a cohesive story, leaving viewers with a sense of wonder but little resolution.

> Summary by Daily Read Bytes. [Read the original source](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/bucking-fastard-review-kate-mara-rooney-mara-werner-herzog-1236689447/)