While the Venice audience's glowing response took critics somewhat by surprise, many had given 'Bunker' a tepid, albeit warmer, reception compared to the harsh reviews that met Zeller’s previous film, 'The Son.' The film didn't quite reach the critical heights of Zeller’s debut, 'The Father,' which earned him an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay and Anthony Hopkins a Best Actor prize in 2021.
So, as 'Bunker' prepares for its Sony Pictures Classics release, the question remains: which assessment holds more weight for its Oscar chances? Anecdotal whispers suggest some critics did find merit in the film, but much of the premiere's extended applause was attributed to the sheer excitement of having the acclaimed couple, Bardem and Cruz, in attendance, with even Venice's artistic director Alberto Barbera leading additional cheers.
Director Florian Zeller revealed at a festival press conference that he intentionally wrote the script with the real-life couple in mind, aiming to leverage their dynamic to 'capture something special as a real couple, to give layers to all the scenes of this film, to blur the line of course between a reality and fiction.' In 'Bunker,' they portray a couple whose marriage hits a crisis point after the architect husband takes on a project to build a luxury bunker for a tech billionaire.
Both actors deliver strong performances, yet 'Bunker' is more likely to serve as a supplement to Bardem and Cruz’s other Oscar campaigns rather than being their primary vehicle for a nomination this year. For Cruz, 'Bunker' draws parallels to her performance in the Sundance hit 'The Invite,' an A24 release, which also explores the complexities of marriage. Bardem, meanwhile, showcases a more comedic side in 'Bunker,' a type of performance often overlooked by the Academy. However, his formidable range is further solidified by his critically acclaimed role in 'The Beloved,' a Cannes entry from this year set for an awards-qualifying run by Kino Lorber.
Among the supporting cast, recent Emmy winner Stephen Graham navigates a challenging role as a creepy neighbor with skill. However, it's Paul Dano's single scene as a shadowy tech mogul that arguably delivers the film's strongest performance, offering timely social commentary on growing concerns about Silicon Valley oligarchs. Dano's portrayal is the closest 'Bunker' gets to having a supporting performance in the awards conversation.
While 'Bunker' initially seemed like Sony Pictures Classics’ strongest Oscar contender due to its prestige and star power, the studio has other formidable bids. These include John Turturro in 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York' and Oscar-winner Tom McCarthy’s 'A Statement,' which is slated to open at the New York Film Festival. Should 'Bunker' manage to win the coveted Golden Lion at Venice, its Oscar potential could certainly see a boost. However, history shows that the last two films to win this top festival honor, even with strong post-premiere reactions, ultimately failed to secure any Academy Award nominations.