A24’s Unique Take on Welcoming Motherhood

Mary Bronstein’s film, *If I Had Legs I’d Kick You*, presents a raw exploration of modern motherhood. Centered on the character Linda, played by Rose Byrne, the film highlights the overwhelming challenges faced by parents today.

A Struggling Mother’s Journey

Linda navigates an avalanche of stress. Her daughter, portrayed by Delany Quinn, suffers from severe anxiety and a medical condition requiring a feeding tube. Adding to Linda’s burdens, her husband, Christian Slater’s character, is detached, offering little support.

Therapeutic Challenges

As a therapist, Linda grapples with her own issues while managing clients in crisis. One particularly anxious client, played by Danielle Macdonald, fears her newborn despises her. This pressure intensifies as Linda’s own therapist, amusingly portrayed by Conan O’Brien, shows little empathy towards her struggles.

Heightened Misfortunes

After a disruptive encounter at the hospital, Linda faces another calamity at home when her living room ceiling collapses. This accident exacerbates her already chaotic life, symbolizing the overwhelming stress of motherhood.

Relocation and New Challenges

• Linda and her daughter are forced to temporarily relocate to a motel.
• A teen clerk, portrayed by Ivy Wolk, adds to her frustrations by refusing to sell her wine.
• A handyman named James, played by A$AP Rocky, offers brief moments of kindness amidst the chaos.

The series of unfortunate events doesn’t stop there. A client’s baby is left in Linda’s office after a session, and her daughter’s desire for a hamster results in a hostile pet that adds to their turmoil.

A Unique Cinematic Experience

Critics have likened *If I Had Legs I’d Kick You* to a blend of dark humor and hyperrealism, akin to David Lynch’s style. It combines absurdity with a realistic portrayal of mental strain in parenting.

A Raw Performance

Rose Byrne delivers an intense and personal performance that captivates audiences. The film artfully encapsulates the emotional rollercoaster of motherhood, portraying the unfiltered rage and struggles that many parents experience.

This film profoundly resonates, prompting viewers to reflect on their own experiences and relationships with caregiving. Whether seen as a dark comedy or an emotional drama, it leaves an impact that invites deep contemplation and, perhaps, a phone call to apologize to one’s own mother.