Brace yourself for a gripping tale of motherhood and mental health in the intense drama, 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You'. This review reveals a captivating yet unsettling experience that will leave you both stressed and strangely satisfied.
The story begins with a therapist, played by the remarkable Rose Byrne, whose life is turned upside down when her apartment ceiling collapses. With her chronically ill daughter depending on her, they're forced to relocate to a motel. But this is no ordinary family drama. Writer-director Mary Bronstein crafts a pulse-pounding thriller that rivals a high-speed chase, trapping viewers in an escape room of emotions.
From the opening scene, we witness Linda (Byrne) at her breaking point. As a therapist herself, she's expected to be the pillar of strength, yet her own life is in disarray. With her husband away, she juggles the demanding care of her daughter, who has a feeding disorder, and now this unexpected disaster. The ceiling collapse is not just a physical event but a symbolic representation of her crumbling world.
Rose Byrne delivers an awe-inspiring performance, holding the entire film together. Her character, Linda, mirrors the struggles of other characters, like her therapist colleague (Conan O'Brien) and her client Caroline (Danielle Macdonald), who grapple with their own issues. The film is filled with symbolic imagery, like womb-like holes and medical tubes resembling umbilical cords, emphasizing the theme of motherhood.
But here's where it gets intriguing: Bronstein's bold storytelling occasionally borders on the nose, yet it serves a purpose. This mirroring effect intensifies the sense of claustrophobia and delves into the depths of Linda's subconscious. It reinforces the film's powerful message—we're all entangled in our personal struggles, unable to escape our own chaos.
Enter motel superintendent James, played by the talented A$AP Rocky, offering a glimmer of human connection. However, the cinematography hints at Linda's potential struggle to break free from her self-centeredness. Delaney Quinn portrays Linda's daughter, mostly kept off-screen, adding to the mystery. Bronstein even makes a cameo as the eerie Dr. Spring. Byrne's fearless portrayal anchors the narrative, blending the Safdies' downward spirals with the surrealism of 'Enter The Void'.
Despite its lack of subtlety, Bronstein's sophomore feature is a pressure cooker of emotions, providing a perversely enjoyable experience for those who can withstand the tension. But be warned, it's not for the faint-hearted!
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