If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is written and directed by Mary Bronstein, and it is a deeply emotional, character driven film that stays with you long after it ends.
The film belongs completely to Rose Byrne, who delivers the best acting performance of her career and one of the strongest performances of the year. She plays a woman under constant pressure, and you can feel every emotion on her face. She is angry, scared, exhausted, sarcastic, and vulnerable, sometimes all in the same scene. Her performance feels honest and painfully real. Byrne does not play for sympathy. She lets the character be messy, sharp, tired, sometimes unlikable.
Mary Bronstein’s writing is very smart. She does not rely on big speeches or dramatic twists. Instead, she shows how emotional breakdowns happen slowly through small moments, silence, and daily stress which makes the film feel intimate and uncomfortable in the best way. The film does not rush. It does not guide your emotions with music or big plot twists.
The film balances dark comedy and psychological drama beautifully. There are moments that make you laugh, then quickly make you feel uneasy. Nothing is exaggerated, and nothing feels forced.
It is also an A24 production, which is a good sign on its own. A24 continues to support bold, personal films that focus on strong writing, strong performances, and clear artistic vision.
This is not a light or easy watch, but it is a very rewarding one. It is a film about pressure, responsibility, and emotional survival, led by an unforgettable performance from Rose Byrne and guided by confident, thoughtful filmmaking.
The film is too slow or too quiet in parts and the tone could feel uneven at times. I liked that the story didn’t always go where I expected.
The film rarely gives you relief but from my point of view, that discomfort is the point. This is not a film designed to please or entertain in a traditional way. It is meant to sit with you, test your patience, and make you feel trapped inside the character’s head.
This is not a film for everyone, but it is a film that knows exactly what it wants to be. I see it as a raw, brave piece of filmmaking carried by an extraordinary performance, even if its weight and slowness will turn some viewers away.