Rose Byrne has made a significant mark with her performances in various genres, including the “Star Wars” franchise, horror films like “28 Weeks Later,” and comedies such as “Bridesmaids” and “Platonic.” However, it is her compelling portrayal of a frazzled mother and therapist in the new film “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” that has placed her in contention for Best Actress at the Oscars.
The film, directed and written by Mary Bronstein, utilizes elements of horror, Surrealism, and experimental filmmaking to convey profound emotional experiences. “To tell this story in an expressive way where you can only use cinema to get at the feeling of something,” Bronstein explained following its premiere at the New York Film Festival in October.
Byrne plays Linda, a mother dealing with the challenges of caring for her daughter, who is dependent on a feeding tube, while her husband, portrayed by Christian Slater, is absent. The situation escalates when a ceiling collapse forces Linda to relocate to a stark, low-rent motel, pushing her closer to a breaking point.
In addition to personal trials, Linda navigates her professional life as she manages a client dealing with severe postpartum depression (Danielle Macdonald). Her relationship with her own therapist, a surprisingly serious performance from Conan O’Brien, adds further layers to her struggle, creating complications that reflect the themes of the film.
Byrne’s performance as a therapist on the edge of burnout has earned her accolades, including the Best Actress Silver Bear awarded at the Berlin Film Festival in February. “The screenplay was such a wild ride. I had to put it down several times and gasp,” she observed, captivated by the complexity of her character. “What happened to her before? What is her story?” became her driving questions throughout the filming process.
Bronstein emphasized the relentless nature of the narrative, stating, “There can be no rest because there’s no rest for Linda.” This relentless pace mirrors Linda’s chaotic state, as Byrne noted her character’s tremendous challenges in recognizing her own inadequacies as a therapist.
Byrne noted that the breakdown of Linda’s patient-therapist relationship serves as an essential thread in the film, describing it as “their breakup, really.” The story captures the complexities of their interactions leading to a shocking culmination of Linda’s realization of her failures as a therapist, portrayed through a poignant emotional breakdown.
“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” is set to open on October 17, promising to deliver a raw and engaging perspective on motherhood and mental health. Byrne’s powerful performance, combined with Bronstein’s unique storytelling approach, ensures that this film will resonate with audiences, underlining the struggles that many face in their personal and professional lives.