When sisters Rooney and Kate Mara signed on for their latest film project, they knew they were in for something different. But nothing could have prepared them for the peculiar demand that would define their performances: speaking every line in perfect unison.

Key facts

  • Rooney and Kate Mara performed all dialogue in unison
  • The technique was used throughout the film 'Bucking Fastard'
  • The sisters had to coordinate timing and delivery precisely

The Unison Challenge

Imagine trying to speak simultaneously with someone else—not just saying the same words, but matching pace, tone, and inflection perfectly. That's exactly what the Mara sisters faced throughout production. The unusual technique creates an eerie, synchronized effect that director David Lowery specifically wanted for the film's distinctive atmosphere.

Behind the Scenes Coordination

The actresses spent countless hours rehearsing together, developing an almost telepathic connection to nail their timing. They'd breathe together, pause together, and emphasize words in identical patterns. Kate described the process as "like being part of a strange, beautiful choir where we're both singing the same note at the same time."

Creating Cinematic Magic

This isn't the first time Lowery has employed unconventional techniques—he's known for his atmospheric, mood-driven films that often challenge actors in new ways. But the unison dialogue takes his approach to another level entirely. The effect creates a haunting, almost otherworldly quality to the sisters' performances that viewers won't soon forget.