Mara sisters channel childhood energy for twins performance at Venice

Actress sisters Rooney and Kate Mara revealed on Thursday that their close bond played a crucial role in their new film Bucking Fastard, where they portray two twins who communicate and move in perfect unison. The film, described as "unique in cinema history" by its director Werner Herzog, premiered at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday. Herzog hailed the Mara sisters' performance as "unique in film history" and noted that he had written the screenplay in just five days, specifically with the Mara sisters in mind.

The film is loosely based on the real-life story of Freda and Greta Chaplin, twins from northern England who gained notoriety in Britain during the early 1980s for their synchronized movement and speech. Rooney Mara, known for her roles in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Carol, told AFP and other journalists that the experience of filming with Herzog rekindled a sense of childhood energy that was special and felt effortless.

Her older sister Kate, famous for her roles in The House of Cards, echoed this sentiment, saying the sisters found their own language and rhythm while filming.

Bucking Fastard is a whimsical drama that sees the sisters fall in love with the same man, portrayed by Orlando Bloom, leading to a series of unsettling encounters with other characters. Herzog described the film as a "strange tale of sisterly devotion," while critics have described it as "cluttered, ripely bonkers fantasia," "silly, pointless drama," and "destined to polarise." Despite the mixed reactions, the Mara sisters' performance in the film is sure to be remembered at the Venice Film Festival.