Herzog's 'Bucking Fastard' Offers Tender Portrait of Eccentric Twins

Werner Herzog's latest film, dedicated to David Lynch, follows identical twins played by Kate and Rooney Mara who face a court case after harassing their neighbor, portrayed by Orlando Bloom. The story, inspired by real-life British twins, begins with a tone of gentle mockery but evolves into a compassionate look at the sisters' quirks. The film's unconventional narrative echoes Lynch's 'The Straight Story' while taking liberties with its source material.

The film draws its inspiration from the real-life Chaplin twins of Britain, though Herzog freely adapts their story for his fictional narrative. The casting of real-life sisters Kate and Rooney Mara adds authenticity to the portrayal of Jean and Joan, whose synchronized behavior and shared wardrobe define their unusual bond. The court case serves as the film's framing device, establishing the sisters' troubled relationship with their neighbor Gareth, played by Orlando Bloom, whose complaint details a progression from playful flirtation to destructive acts including arson.

Herzog's dedication to David Lynch signals the film's tonal ambitions, and critics have noted its structural kinship with Lynch's 1999 road drama "The Straight Story." Rather than following a linear path, the narrative meanders through the sisters' attempts to navigate ordinary life, initially inviting audience laughter at their peculiarities before gradually revealing deeper layers of vulnerability. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where the cast, including Domhnall Gleeson, appeared on the red carpet.