Imagine a mother teetering on the edge, her life unraveling like a frayed rope, and you’ll begin to grasp the raw intensity of If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Mary Bronstein’s daring new film. But here’s where it gets controversial: this isn’t your typical feel-good family drama. It’s a tense, darkly comedic dive into the psyche of a woman spiraling out of control, and it’s already sparking conversations in the film world. Premiering at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, Bronstein’s sophomore feature has critics and audiences alike grappling with its unflinching portrayal of motherhood, mental health, and the chaos of life’s unpredictability.
Starring Rose Byrne as a therapist whose own life is crumbling around her, the film follows her descent as she grapples with her daughter’s mysterious illness, a missing patient, an absent husband, and even her own therapist’s abandonment. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about her struggles—it’s about the universal anxiety of feeling inadequate in every role we play. With a stellar cast including Conan O’Brien, Danielle Macdonald, Christian Slater, A$AP Rocky, and Delaney Quinn, the movie is as star-studded as it is emotionally charged.
Bronstein, whose 2028 debut Yeast starring Greta Gerwig turned heads, has been racking up accolades for this project. Nominated for Gotham Awards in both writing and directing, she’s proving herself as a force to be reckoned with in indie cinema. Meanwhile, Byrne’s performance has been nothing short of a juggernaut, earning her Leading Performer honors at Berlin and Best Actress nominations at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice, the Gothams, and the Spirit Awards.
What makes If I Had Legs I’d Kick You so compelling is its roots in Bronstein’s own experiences as a mother navigating family illness. While she insists the story isn’t autobiographical, she calls it ‘emotionally accurate’—a phrase that perfectly captures its blend of wit and feverish intensity. Here’s the bold part: Bronstein deliberately set out to portray anxiety and shame in a way she felt was missing from cinema, and it took her seven years to get it right. ‘I had tunnel vision,’ she admits. ‘This movie needed to exist.’
Whether you see it as a raw exploration of motherhood or a commentary on the pressures we all face, one thing’s for sure: this film doesn’t pull punches. But here’s the question: Does it go too far, or does it finally give voice to the silent struggles so many of us face? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss. Read the screenplay below and decide for yourself.
