A24’s highly anticipated psychological thriller If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, starring Rose Byrne, made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on Friday, quickly becoming the most talked-about film of the event. The premiere was so sought after that many ticketholders were turned away from the packed Library Theater, with those who secured seats treated to an intense, visceral cinematic experience.
Directed by Mary Bronstein, the film follows Linda (Byrne), a mother grappling with a mounting personal and emotional breakdown while caring for her daughter, who suffers from a mysterious illness. From a gaping hole in her apartment ceiling that forces the family to move to a rundown motel, to a confrontation with a parking attendant at a care center, Linda’s world spirals as her mental and physical health deteriorate under the weight of unrelenting crises.
Bronstein explained at the premiere that the film offers a rare perspective by centering on the caretaker’s struggles rather than the patient’s. “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. “Caretakers are often expected to sacrifice everything, and that emotional burnout is what I wanted to explore.”
Byrne revealed that her preparation for the role involved extensive discussions with Bronstein to craft a raw and authentic portrayal of Linda. “I was obsessed with figuring out who Linda was before the crisis,” Byrne shared.
The story, while fictional, was partially inspired by Bronstein’s personal experiences with her daughter, though the director refrained from delving into specifics, emphasizing, “That’s her story to tell.”
Conan O’Brien and A$AP Rocky Join the Cast
Conan O’Brien plays Linda’s therapist in a role that marks a surprising addition to the film. Reflecting on his involvement, O’Brien said, “I’m not out looking for movie scripts, but when A24 approached me, I couldn’t say no. My wife read the script and said, ‘I didn’t know they made movies like this anymore.’”
O’Brien praised Byrne’s performance and Bronstein’s direction, calling the experience “one of the best of my life.” He admitted, “I don’t know how Rose did that without checking into a hospital afterward. The intensity she sustained throughout the film was unbelievable.”
A$AP Rocky also stars as a mysterious man Linda encounters at the motel, though he was absent from the premiere due to ongoing legal issues.
The film’s title and key motifs, such as the ominous hole in the ceiling of Linda’s apartment, carry deep metaphorical and ambiguous meanings. Bronstein described the hole as a representation of the emptiness within, saying, “When we have nothing left to give, that emptiness isn’t empty—it’s filled with darkness, self-hate, doubt, fear, and regret. That’s what the hole is to me.”
Bronstein admitted that even she doesn’t fully understand every element of the film, emphasizing that the goal was to create an immersive, experiential narrative.
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You marks Bronstein’s second feature film, following her 2008 debut Yeast, a cult favorite among indie film enthusiasts. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “This is the first time anyone has paid me to make art. I’m proud to say this film came directly from my head to the screen.”
Critics and audiences at Sundance are already hailing the film as one of the festival’s must-sees, cementing its status as a standout in this year’s lineup. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is slated for release later this year, promising to deliver an emotionally charged and thought-provoking experience for audiences worldwide.