## “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”: A deep Dive into Mary Bronstein‘s Raw and Unflinching New Film
Mary Bronstein’s sophomore feature, *If I Had Legs I’d Kick You*, premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival to a resounding reception. For Bronstein,the film marks a significant milestone – her first time being paid to create art. The deeply personal and experiential nature of the film resonated powerfully with audiences.
The film, showcased in the Premieres section, boasts a captivating performance from Rose Byrne. Those involved on set affectionately nicknamed the project *Legs* during production. It’s a film that doesn’t simply tell a story; it immerses you in the anxious reality of its protagonist.
*If I Had Legs I’d Kick You* centers on Linda, portrayed by Byrne, a woman grappling with a multitude of stressors. Her husband is away on a prolonged work trip, her daughter battles an undefined but demanding illness, and a mysterious hole has appeared in her ceiling. These elements combine to create a portrait of a woman at her breaking point.
Bronstein intentionally crafted an overwhelming experience for the viewer. “This is an experiential film,” she explained before the premiere. “Just forget about everything else and really be in it for the next two hours.”
Byrne’s Performance: A Masterclass in Nuance
Rose Byrne delivers a tour-de-force performance, anchoring the audience in Linda’s frantic internal world. The film expertly portrays the relentless pressures of “default parenting” and the cascading effect of everyday crises. Byrne’s commitment to the character’s complexity is unwavering.
During the post-premiere discussion, Byrne revealed her process for delving into Linda’s psyche. “I just kept thinking, who was this person before this crisis?” she shared. The film offers glimpses of that former self, thanks to Byrne’s nuanced portrayal.
exploring the Unseen Struggles of Caregivers
Conan O’Brien, who co-stars as Linda’s therapist and coworker, was equally impressed.He jokingly remarked needing a hospital visit after witnessing byrne and Bronstein’s powerful work. The audience’s laughter was a collective exhale after the film’s emotionally intense duration.
Bronstein’s inspiration stemmed from a gap in representation. She hadn’t seen films that truly explored the mother’s perspective when a child is ill. “But what about me? I’m suffering too, as a caretaker,” she stated, highlighting the often-overlooked emotional toll on parents and caregivers.
*If I Had Legs I’d Kick You* isn’t just a film; it’s a visceral experience that demands your attention and offers a raw, honest look at the complexities of modern motherhood and the weight of unseen burdens.
