At the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, an emotional rollercoaster awaits audiences with the premiere of If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, starring the talented Rose Byrne. The film has captured the attention of both critics and audience members, being heralded as one of the festival's standout presentations. As reports suggest, even with a ticket, some had difficulty accessing the film due to its overwhelming demand, underscoring an immense anticipation around this unique cinematic experience.
Set against the backdrop of a psychological thriller, Byrne takes on the role of Linda, a mother grappling with the immense pressures stemming from her daughter's enigmatic illness. Her life becomes a constant battle against various crises, depicting a deterioration not only in her mental and emotional state but physically as well. From battling an apartment ceiling collapsing to confrontations with a parking attendant, her character’s journey is one of impressive depth and nuance.
The director, Mary Bronstein, sought to pitch an unconventional narrative arc by prioritizing the mother’s emotional landscape over the child's. This innovative angle challenges the traditional caregiving narrative. Caretakers tend to focus solely on those they care for, often neglecting their own well-being, Bronstein shared at the premiere, adding an authentic voice to the story which resonates with many viewers.
Byrne, who prepared extensively for this challenging role, worked closely with Bronstein to breathe life into Linda. She emphasized understanding Linda's character pre-crisis, bringing layers of complexity to her portrayal. Bronstein was inspired in part by her own life experiences but chose to keep specific details private, further enhancing the film's authenticity and emotional resonance.
Adding a unique twist to the film is Conan O'Brien, who plays Linda’s therapist. O'Brien admitted his surprise at being cast in a project of this nature but embraced the opportunity when approached by A24. He reflected on the intense experience of working alongside Byrne and Bronstein, praising their commitment to the craft.
Moreover, the film incorporates elements of ambiguity and metaphor, as seen in the supernatural undertones of the ceiling’s gaping hole in Linda’s apartment. For Bronstein, this represents internal emptiness filled with dark emotions—a theme that deeply resonates without needing explicit explanation.
The film also features a performance by A$AP Rocky, who portrays a character Linda encounters at the motel. Despite his legal challenges at the time of the premiere, his presence adds another layer to the narrative intrigue.
This cinematic journey, with its rich layers of symbolic and narrative complexity, showcases Bronstein’s artistry. Having previously debuted with Yeast, she now returns with a bold new narrative that expands her artistic footprint. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You signifies her visionary storytelling, supported by a rare opportunity to have her vision funded and realized on screen.
The buzz around this film at Sundance reaffirms the festival's status as a launchpad for groundbreaking cinema, prompting audiences to engage with its provocative themes. It's a testament to the power of storytelling that challenges conventions and captivates with its raw emotional depth.
