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Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz present 'Bunker' at the Venice Film Festival

The acting couple premieres 'Bunker' in Venice, a story about a marriage in crisis after nearly two decades together.

9 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz present 'Bunker' at the Venice Film Festival — Photo: Colleen Sturtevant · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz presented their new film 'Bunker' on Tuesday at the Venice Film Festival. This film marks the ninth project they have worked on together as a couple on screen. The story focuses on a marriage facing a crisis after nearly two decades of relationship.

The film was written and directed by Florian Zeller, known for his work on 'The Father'. Zeller mentioned in 'Variety' that he thought of the Spanish actors while developing the script, emphasizing their real connection as a couple.

In 'Bunker', Bardem plays Miguel, an architect considering accepting a lucrative project to build a survival bunker for a billionaire. However, his wife Sofía, played by Cruz, does not support the idea and begins to question their relationship.

During the presentation in Venice, the couple received a prolonged ovation from the audience after the screening of the film, lasting approximately 15.5 minutes, showcasing their chemistry at the event.

The film has generated mixed reviews; some critics mention that the script includes predictable metaphors and lacks emotional depth. However, the performances of Bardem and Cruz have been highlighted for their ability to bring meaning to the narrative presented by Zeller.

The screening of 'Bunker' marks a significant moment in the careers of both actors, who continue to be a reference of Spanish cinema and stand out in the international context. The film is competing for the Golden Lion, one of the festival's most coveted awards.

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