Rose Byrne Shines in Tense Film “If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You”

In the film “If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You,” Rose Byrne delivers a compelling portrayal of a mother overwhelmed by various pressures. The story revolves around Linda, a mother dealing with her daughter’s severe illness, her husband’s long absences, and her job as a therapist.

Descent into Chaos

Linda’s life is filled with stress from numerous sources. Her daughter, played by Delaney Quinn, requires constant care due to an unspecified medical condition. Charles, acted by Christian Slater, works as a boat captain, leaving Linda alone for extended periods. Additionally, her role as a therapist demands she listens to others’ struggles, which only intensifies her own anxiety.

Supporting Characters

The film introduces various secondary characters that contribute to Linda’s stress:

• Caroline (Danielle Macdonald) – a new mother worried about her own child.
• Dr. Spring (Mary Bronstein) – a medical professional who pressures Linda about her daughter’s eating habits.
• A parking attendant and a motel clerk who exhibit little empathy towards Linda.

One character, James, played by A$AP Rocky, offers a flicker of kindness in a sea of negativity, but Linda’s struggles often overshadow his attempts at support.

Unique Directorial Vision

Mary Bronstein, both the writer and director, skillfully portrays Linda’s emotional turmoil. Through various filmmaking techniques, including close-up shots that emphasize Linda’s growing distress, Bronstein illustrates how the world feels increasingly claustrophobic.

Emotional Themes

The narrative oscillates between Linda’s righteous anger and her overwhelming guilt. Despite not being perfect, her character elicits empathy from the audience, even as she faces disdain from those around her. The story’s progression keeps viewers questioning Linda’s past interactions that led to her current predicament.

Critical Performance

Rose Byrne’s performance stands out, presenting a raw and heartfelt embodiment of a stressed mother. Her character’s gradual dishevelment mirrors the mounting pressure she faces. Often known for lighter roles, Byrne takes on this challenging performance with remarkable depth.

Conan O’Brien’s portrayal as Linda’s therapist showcases his versatility. Departing from his usual persona, he delivers a surprisingly nuanced performance that complements Byrne perfectly.

The Challenge of Motherhood

If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You reflects on the often thankless nature of motherhood, especially under trying circumstances. The film captures the reality of challenges faced by mothers, which are exacerbated when support systems are lacking.

Currently, “If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You” is showing in select theaters, offering audiences a blend of humor and poignant drama amidst the chaos of motherhood.