Review: 'Bucking Fastard' - A Quirky Journey of Two Sisters

Embracing the Eccentric: A Tale of Shared Minds and Divergent Destinies

The Peculiar Bond of Jean and Joan Holbrooke

The narrative introduces Jean and Joan Holbrooke, not as twins but as sisters who share a remarkably synchronized existence, speaking and thinking in unison. Their initial depiction includes a shared dream of squawking birds, a visual metaphor that hints at their confinement, though its significance remains open to interpretation as the story progresses.

Courtroom Dramatics and Unconventional Affections

An early pivotal scene finds the sisters in court, facing a restraining order from their former lover, Gareth Mulroney. This segment provides comedic relief and highlights the Mara sisters' compelling performances, showcasing their unique dynamic and shared reactions to the bizarre proceedings. Their past with Mulroney, marked by intense passion and attempts to disrupt his new marriage, offers a glimpse into their eccentric approach to love and attachment.

Urban Relocation and Unexpected Fixations

Following their courtroom ordeal, the sisters relocate to the city, finding refuge with a kind acquaintance, Mr. Westmoreland. Here, they become subjects of unwanted attention, including a forklift operator's obsession and a neighbor's voyeuristic photography. Their naive reaction to their risque images appearing online underscores their detachment from conventional societal norms, hinting at a childlike innocence despite their provocative circumstances.

The Quest for Independence and a Droll Interlude

In the city, the sisters engage with social services employee Timothy, who endeavors to teach them the value of independent action. A humorous interlude sees them crashing a stranger's wedding, further illustrating their unconventional behavior. However, a significant plot development emerges when their widowed Auntie Louise invites them to stay on the West coast, offering a change of scenery and the promise of new experiences.

Unearthing a Sisyphian Obsession on the West Coast

On the West coast, the sisters are initially expected to contribute to household chores. Their lives take an unexpected turn when local farmer McFarlane introduces them to a series of caves. This discovery leads them to embark on a multi-year project of meticulously extending an underground tunnel, driven by a local legend connecting it to the Orkney Islands. This task embodies Herzog's signature themes of remote landscapes and Sisyphean endeavors, encapsulating the film's inherent strangeness.

Herzog's Distinctive Vision and the Mara Sisters' Commitment

'Bucking Fastard' showcases Werner Herzog's distinctive directorial style, blending the bizarre with an underlying charm. Despite its unique premise and the Mara sisters' dedicated portrayal of their synchronized characters, the film's narrative lacks substantial development, ultimately feeling more idiosyncratic than profound. The dedication to David Lynch underscores the film's avant-garde aspirations, yet it falls short of fully realizing its rich potential for exploring the mysterious connections between siblings.