If I Had Legs I’d Kick You: Rose Byrne Shines at Sundance 2025

Mary Bronstein’s sophomore feature, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, isn’t a film you simply watch. it’s a film you experience. Premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, the drama, starring Rose Byrne and, surprisingly, Conan O’Brien, plunges audiences directly into the overwhelming anxieties of motherhood and the quiet desperation of a life stretched to its breaking point. Bronstein herself described the project as the first time she’d been “paid to make art,” a sentiment met with enthusiastic support from those in attendance at the Library Center Theatre, according to a report from Sundance.org.

A Portrait of Exhaustion

The film centers on Linda, played with a raw and captivating intensity by Byrne, a psychotherapist navigating the complexities of caring for a daughter with a pediatric feeding disorder. Her husband, a ship captain, is frequently away, leaving Linda to shoulder the daily burdens of medical appointments, a demanding work life, and the constant, low-level hum of worry. When a catastrophic ceiling collapse floods their Montauk apartment, forcing a move to a shabby motel, Linda’s already precarious balance begins to unravel. The situation is further complicated by encounters with Diana, a sardonic motel clerk, and James, the motel superintendent, adding layers of friction to an already fraught existence.

Bronstein intentionally crafted If I Had Legs I’d Kick You to be immersive, urging viewers to “forget about everything else you’re doing or thinking about and give yourself over to the next just-under-two-hours and really be in it.” This experiential approach, combined with Byrne’s powerful performance, creates a viewing experience that is, by design, overwhelming.

Rose Byrne’s Acclaimed Performance

Byrne’s portrayal of Linda has garnered widespread critical acclaim. The actor reportedly focused on understanding her character’s life *before* the crisis, seeking to ground the escalating anxieties in a recognizable human experience. As she explained during a post-premiere conversation, she kept asking herself, “Who was this person before this crisis?” This dedication to nuance shines through, offering glimpses of the woman beneath the mounting pressures.

The accolades have already begun to accumulate. Byrne received the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance, an Independent Spirit Award for Best Lead Performance, and a Golden Globe Award for her work in the film. She likewise received nominations for the Critics’ Choice Award, Actor Award, BAFTA Award and Academy Award for Best Actress, solidifying her performance as a standout achievement of the year.

From Sundance to A24

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2025, and was subsequently released domestically by A24 on October 10, 2025. A24’s involvement signals a commitment to supporting challenging and artistically ambitious films, a reputation the company has cultivated with releases like Everything Everywhere All at Once and Past Lives. The film’s box office performance reached $1.4 million, according to Wikipedia, indicating a solid, if not blockbuster, run for the independent release.

Conan O’Brien’s Unexpected Role

The casting of Conan O’Brien as Linda’s therapist and co-worker initially raised eyebrows, but the comedian reportedly delivers a nuanced and compelling performance. O’Brien himself joked after the premiere that he felt he needed to seek therapy after witnessing Byrne’s intensity. The cast affectionately referred to the film as “Legs” during production, a testament to the collaborative and supportive atmosphere on set.

Bronstein’s Vision: A Mother’s Perspective

For writer-director Mary Bronstein, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You filled a void in cinematic representation. She noted that she hadn’t seen many films that explored the struggles of motherhood from the mother’s point of view, particularly the often-unacknowledged suffering of the caretaker. “What about me? I’m suffering too, as a caretaker,” she stated, highlighting the film’s central theme of emotional exhaustion and the necessitate for recognition of the burdens placed on parents.

Bronstein’s previous work includes the film Charlotte Sometimes, demonstrating a consistent interest in exploring complex psychological states and challenging conventional narrative structures. Her approach to filmmaking, as evidenced in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, prioritizes emotional authenticity over easy answers.

What’s Next for the Team?

While no immediate follow-up projects have been officially announced, the success of If I Had Legs I’d Kick You has undoubtedly raised Bronstein’s profile and opened doors for future collaborations. Byrne’s continued critical acclaim and busy schedule suggest she will remain a sought-after performer, and O’Brien is expected to continue balancing his comedy career with occasional acting roles. A24’s commitment to supporting independent filmmakers suggests they will likely continue to champion Bronstein’s work, should she choose to partner with them again.