Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, Dec 12: Rose Byrne delivers an electrifying, heart-wrenching performance in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, a film that refuses to let the audience look away. Directed by Mary Bronstein, the story plunges viewers into the relentless stress and panic attacks of Linda, a woman whose life is unraveling while she struggles to maintain composure. Byrne’s portrayal captures the raw chaos, fear, and fragility of a mother and therapist pushed to her limits.

The story begins when the roof of Linda’s apartment collapses, forcing her into a roadside motel. Alone, with her husband away and a young daughter requiring constant care, Linda faces mounting pressure at work while navigating her own mental breakdown. Even a gesture of kindness from her motel neighbor, James (A$AP Rocky), is met with confusion and distress, reflecting Linda’s inability to find solace or guidance.

Bronstein’s direction, alongside cinematographer Christopher Messina, is unapologetically intimate. Tight, unflinching shots keep the audience locked on Byrne’s expressive face, allowing no shortcuts or easy emotional resolutions. Every moment feels immediate and unfiltered, immersing viewers in Linda’s fragile, volatile world.

Byrne’s performance is the film’s heartbeat. Her depiction of a woman lost in a patriarchal society—expected to solve problems, remain composed, and care for others at all costs—is both devastating and mesmerizing. Moments of sheer helplessness, quiet tenderness with her daughter, and explosive rage are rendered with astonishing precision.

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is a daring, uncompromising work, but Byrne’s powerhouse performance anchors it with humanity and empathy. It’s a film that demands attention, challenging viewers to stay close to a woman whose life is teetering on the edge—and leaves no one unaffected by its intensity.