Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz on the red carpet of the film “The Bunker” as part of the 83rd Venice Film Festival in Venice | Photo credit: AP
Psychological thriller by Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem. Bunkerreceived a 15-minute standing ovation at the ongoing 83rd Venice International Film Festival on Tuesday (September 8, 2026).
After a screening of the Florian Zeller director’s film, Penelope and Javier were thrilled by the overwhelming reaction when Penelope kissed Javier, her husband and co-star.
Bunker starring them as a married couple and explore how a professional decision begins to have consequences on their relationship. In it, Javier plays an architect who takes on a bunker project for a billionaire, which begins to affect his marriage. The film also stars Stephen Graham, Paul Dano, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Chloe Cohn, Leah Cohn and Mark Gatiss.
It is competing for the Golden Lion at the film festival along with films such as Wild Horse Nine And Ink. Filmed in Spanish and English, Florian revealed in an interview that he wrote the film specifically for Penelope and Javier after being inspired by a true story he read. This is the director’s third film after Father, starring Anthony Hopkins and Sonfeaturing Hugh Jackman.
Bunker will be the ninth film starring Penelope and Javier. However, this is the fifth film in which they star together. Their first collaboration was in a 1992 Spanish film. Jamon, jamon.
Published – September 9, 2026 01:09 pm EST.