Rose Byrne Navigates Motherhood’s Chaos in ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’

NEW YORK, NY — Rose Byrne stars in the intense new film “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” directed by Mary Bronstein. The movie deals with the crushing challenges of modern motherhood. Byrne plays Linda, a therapist struggling with her daughter’s severe eating disorder while balancing her own mounting crises.

Bronstein’s film arose from her personal experiences as a mother. Years ago, her daughter became gravely ill, forcing Bronstein to seek treatment in San Diego. “I felt very trapped,” she recalls. “It was a time of real existential crisis for me.” This experience inspired the screenplay of “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” which examines the depths of a mother’s struggles.

Linda’s life is in disarray. Her daughter, played by Delaney Quinn, suffers from an eating disorder, leaving her underweight and requiring a feeding tube. Meanwhile, Linda’s husband, portrayed by Christian Slater, is frequently absent due to work commitments. “You think you have it together until everything unravels,” Byrne says about her character’s predicament.

The film, which premiered at Sundance and has been featured at the Berlin International Film Festival, shows Linda facing constant challenges, from a leaking ceiling to interactions with demanding therapists. “There’s no respite for her, just one challenge after another,” Bronstein explains. The pressures of motherhood unfold through humorous yet haunting scenes that mirror the chaotic reality many mothers face.

In the film, Linda often resorts to coping mechanisms like wine, emphasizing her desperation. The raw authenticity of Linda’s character allows audiences to connect with her struggles. “You see her frustration build with every new crisis,” Byrne states.

The film’s darkly comedic tone relies on Byrne’s performance, which captures the essence of a mother stretched to her limits. Critics have compared its intensity to films like “Uncut Gems.” Its exploration of maternal anxiety resonates with many viewers, making it both a poignant and relatable watch.

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You opens in theaters this Friday, and early reviews have already stirred up Oscar buzz for Byrne’s performance, showcasing her range as an actress. The film poses challenging questions about motherhood and personal sacrifice, leaving audiences pondering long after the credits roll.