Rose Byrne Shines in A24’s Psychological Thriller Debut \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Rose Byrne stars as a mother unraveling under immense pressure in Mary Bronstein’s psychological thriller, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. Premiering at Sundance, the highly anticipated A24 film explores emotional burnout and the toll of caregiving. With a riveting performance by Byrne and a unique narrative from Bronstein, the film is quickly becoming a festival standout.
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You: Quick Look
- Lead Performance: Rose Byrne delivers a raw, transformative portrayal of a struggling mother.
- Director’s Vision: Mary Bronstein explores caregiving burnout with emotional intensity and metaphorical depth.
- Festival Success: The A24 psychological thriller is a Sundance standout, sparking critical acclaim.
- Symbolism: A supernatural hole in the ceiling reflects internal voids and emotional struggles.
- Supporting Cast: Conan O’Brien surprises as Linda’s therapist; A$AP Rocky adds complexity.
- Bold Filmmaking: Bronstein’s first feature since 2008, showcasing her unique storytelling approach.
- A24 Partnership: Continues the studio’s legacy of backing inventive, challenging cinema.
- Themes: Caregiving, emotional burnout, and the hidden struggles of parenthood.
Deep Look
The Sundance Film Festival witnessed the arrival of a bold and emotionally charged cinematic experience with If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, an experimental psychological thriller from director Mary Bronstein. Starring Rose Byrne in a transformative lead performance, the A24 production immerses audiences in the emotional chaos of a mother pushed to her breaking point. The film’s premiere was one of Sundance’s most anticipated events, quickly earning a reputation as a must-see for its raw intensity, inventive storytelling, and unflinching exploration of burnout and caregiving.
Rose Byrne’s Captivating Performance
Rose Byrne stars as Linda, a mother whose life spirals out of control as she struggles to care for her daughter, who is battling a mysterious illness. Linda’s journey unfolds as a series of escalating crises, from a massive hole in her apartment ceiling that forces her to move into a dingy motel, to confrontations with strangers that reflect her unraveling state of mind.
Byrne’s portrayal of Linda is as unrelenting as it is vulnerable, bringing the character’s psychological and physical breakdown to life with stunning authenticity. The performance has drawn widespread acclaim, with many critics calling it one of Byrne’s finest roles to date.
“I was obsessed with figuring out who Linda was before this crisis,” Byrne said, emphasizing the deep preparation she undertook for the role. Collaborating closely with Bronstein, Byrne sought to make Linda a fully realized character whose struggles resonate universally.
A Story Focused on Caregivers
Unlike many films that center on the plight of a sick child, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You shifts the focus to the caregiver’s experience. Director Mary Bronstein explained her unique approach during the Sundance Q&A.
“I’d never seen a movie before where a mother is going through a crisis with a child, but our energy is not with the child’s struggle — it’s with the mother’s,” Bronstein said. “Caregivers are often expected to give everything and ask for nothing, and I wanted to explore the emotional toll of that dynamic.”
The film draws heavily from Bronstein’s personal experiences, though she avoided delving into specifics, stating, “That’s her story to tell,” when referencing her own daughter. Instead, she channeled those emotions into Linda’s story, creating a narrative that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable.
Conan O’Brien’s Surprising Dramatic Turn
Comedian Conan O’Brien delivers a surprising and heartfelt performance as Linda’s therapist, a key figure in her journey. While known for his humor, O’Brien approaches the role with a sensitivity that grounds Linda’s increasingly chaotic world.
“I’m not looking for movie scripts, but when A24 reached out, I paid attention,” O’Brien said at the premiere. He shared that his wife encouraged him to take the role, telling him, “I didn’t know they made movies like this anymore.”
O’Brien’s awe of his co-stars was evident, as he praised Byrne and Bronstein’s dedication. “Watching Rose work was one of the most incredible experiences of my life,” he said. “I don’t know how she sustained that level of intensity without checking into a hospital afterward.”
A$AP Rocky’s Role and Legal Complications
A$AP Rocky co-stars as a man Linda encounters at the motel. While his performance has garnered early praise, the artist was notably absent from the premiere due to ongoing legal issues. He is currently on trial, accused of firing a gun at a former friend.
Despite his absence, his role adds an additional layer of complexity to Linda’s journey, providing moments of ambiguity and tension that reflect the film’s broader themes of uncertainty and human connection.
Visual Metaphors and Psychological Depth
The film is rich with symbolism, including the gaping hole in Linda’s ceiling, which takes on an almost supernatural quality. Bronstein described it as a representation of the emotional void within Linda.
“When we have nothing left to give, we have an emptiness inside us,” Bronstein said. “That emptiness is not empty; it’s filled with darkness, self-hate, doubt, and fear.”
Bronstein’s use of metaphor and ambiguity allows audiences to interpret the story in their own way. “Some of it I don’t even fully understand myself,” she admitted. “The point is the experience.”
Mary Bronstein’s Return to Directing
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You marks Bronstein’s first feature film since her 2008 debut, Yeast, a mumblecore classic that introduced audiences to her distinct voice. Despite the gap between projects, Bronstein remains a cult figure in the indie film world, celebrated for her bold storytelling and willingness to explore uncomfortable truths.
“This is the first time anybody else has paid for me to make art,” Bronstein said. “I’m proud to say this film came directly from my head to the screen.”
The collaboration with A24, known for its support of unconventional and experimental cinema, provided Bronstein with the creative freedom to bring her vision to life.
Audience and Critical Reception
The Sundance premiere was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with the Library Theater filled to capacity. Critics and festivalgoers have praised the film for its unflinching portrayal of emotional burnout and its daring approach to storytelling.
The film’s ambiguous title, metaphorical visuals, and inventive narrative have sparked widespread discussion, with many calling it one of the festival’s standout offerings.
A24’s Growing Legacy
A24’s decision to back If I Had Legs I’d Kick You underscores its commitment to innovative filmmaking. The studio’s reputation for supporting bold, boundary-pushing projects continues to attract filmmakers like Bronstein, whose work challenges conventional storytelling norms.
With its Sundance success, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is poised to become one of A24’s most memorable releases, joining the ranks of the studio’s other acclaimed films like Everything Everywhere All at Once and Hereditary.
Conclusion
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is a visceral and emotionally charged experience that cements Mary Bronstein’s status as a bold and innovative filmmaker. Rose Byrne’s career-defining performance anchors a story that delves into the unspoken struggles of caregiving, resonating with audiences on a deeply personal level.
As the film garners acclaim at Sundance, it’s clear that Bronstein has created a work that is both challenging and profoundly moving. With A24’s backing, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is set to leave a lasting impression on the world of cinema.
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