Rose Byrne Shines in Sundance’s Must-See Psychological Thriller “If I Had legs I’d Kick You”
PARK CITY, Utah — The sundance Film Festival kicked off with a bang this year, and one film has already emerged as a standout: If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, a gripping psychological thriller starring Rose Byrne. Directed by Mary Bronstein, the A24 film premiered to a packed house at the Library theater, leaving audiences captivated by its raw intensity and inventive storytelling.
Byrne plays Linda, a mother teetering on the edge of a breakdown as she navigates her daughter’s mysterious illness. The film delves into the emotional and psychological toll of caregiving, offering a fresh perspective on the often-overlooked struggles of those who shoulder the burden of obligation.
“I’d never seen a movie before where a mother is going through a crisis with a child but our energy is not with the child’s struggle, it’s with the mother’s,” Bronstein shared during the premiere.“If you’re a caretaker, you shouldn’t be bothering with yourself at all. It should all be about the person you’re taking care of, right? And that is a particular kind of emotional burnout state that I was really interested in exploring.”
The film’s narrative is as visceral as it is indeed relatable. linda’s life is a series of escalating crises—from a gaping hole in her apartment ceiling that forces her family into a dingy motel to a tense confrontation with a parking attendant at a care center. These moments, both big and small, chip away at her already fragile state, painting a poignant portrait of a woman on the brink.
Byrne and Bronstein worked closely to bring Linda to life, engaging in extensive discussions to ensure her character felt authentic. “I was obsessed with figuring out who Linda was before the crisis,” Byrne revealed. The film’s emotional depth is further amplified by its roots in Bronstein’s personal experiences, though the director chose not to elaborate on the specifics. “That’s her story to tell,” she said.Adding to the film’s layered narrative is Linda’s therapist, played by Conan O’Brien, whose presence introduces a unique dynamic to the story.
The film’s premiere at Sundance was a hot ticket, with even ticketholders struggling to secure a seat. Those who made it in were treated to a cinematic experience that has quickly become one of the festival’s must-sees.
| Key Details | Summary |
|——————|————-|
| Star | Rose Byrne |
| Director | Mary bronstein |
| Premiere | Sundance Film Festival 2025 |
| Studio | A24 |
| Themes | Caregiving, emotional burnout, psychological struggle |
As anticipation builds for its wider release later this year, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of caregiving and the human spirit’s resilience.
For more updates on the film and othre highlights from the Sundance Film Festival, stay tuned to trusted sources like AP News.What are your thoughts on films that explore the emotional toll of caregiving? Share your insights in the comments below!Conan O’Brien’s Unexpected journey into Film: A Deep Dive into “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”
Conan O’Brien, the beloved late-night host, has taken an unexpected leap into the world of cinema with his role in the critically acclaimed film If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. The movie, which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, has already captivated audiences with its raw emotional intensity and artistic depth.
O’Brien, who joked that he didn’t realize he was in a movie, shared his astonishment at being approached by A24 for the project. “I’m not looking out for movie scripts or anything. But when I got a call from A24 that they wanted me to read something, I’m not stupid,” O’Brien said.“I showed it to my wife, who is one of the smartest people I know, and she read through it and she said, ‘I didn’t know they made movies like this anymore.’”
The film, directed by Mary Bronstein, is a haunting exploration of emotional burnout, anchored by a powerhouse performance from rose Byrne. O’Brien was notably in awe of his co-star, stating, “I don’t know how (Byrne) did that and not check into a hospital afterwards, as I haven’t seen any actor, man or woman, sustain that level for an entire movie.”
The narrative is rich with ambiguity and metaphor, from its enigmatic title to a mysterious hole in the ceiling that takes on a supernatural quality. Bronstein explained,“When we have nothing left to give,we have an emptiness inside of us. And that emptiness is actually not empty: It’s filled with all the darkness and self-hate and doubt and fear and dread and regret and everything. … That to me is what the hole is.”
The film also features A$AP Rocky in a supporting role, though he was notably absent from the Sundance premiere due to being on trial for charges related to a shooting incident.
Bronstein, a cult figure in the indie film world, made her directorial debut in 2008 with Yeast, a mumblecore classic that featured a pre-fame Greta Gerwig. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You marks only her second feature, a project she describes as deeply personal. “This is the first time that anybody else has paid for me to make art,” Bronstein said. “I’m proud to say that this is the film that came directly from my head to the screen.”
The film’s premiere at Sundance has already generated significant buzz, with critics and audiences alike praising its bold storytelling and emotional resonance. As O’Brien put it, “I feel like I have to go to a hospital now, because this was the first time I watched it. I’m a mess.”
| Key Highlights of “If I Had Legs I’d kick You” |
|—————————————————|
| Director | mary Bronstein |
| Lead Actors | Rose Byrne, Conan O’Brien, A$AP Rocky |
| Premiere | 2025 Sundance Film Festival |
| Themes | Emotional burnout, ambiguity, metaphor |
| Critical Reception | Highly praised for artistic depth and performances |
For those eager to experience this cinematic masterpiece, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You promises to be a thought-provoking journey into the complexities of the human psyche. Stay tuned for its wider release and prepare to be immersed in a film that defies convention and leaves a lasting impact.The 2025 Sundance Film Festival is in full swing, captivating audiences with its bold self-reliant storytelling and vibrant community spirit. Held in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, this year’s festival runs from January 23 to February 2, showcasing 86 feature films and six episodic projects. The event, now in its 41st edition, continues to be a cornerstone of cinematic discovery and discussion, as envisioned by its founder, Robert Redford [[1]].
This year’s lineup is a testament to the festival’s commitment to innovative storytelling. The Sundance Institute announced the selected projects on December 11, 2024, highlighting a diverse array of voices and perspectives. From thought-provoking dramas to groundbreaking documentaries, the festival offers something for every cinephile [[3]].
Amid the excitement, the festival also serves as a respite for many in the film industry, particularly those affected by the recent Los Angeles-area wildfires. The serene mountain setting of Park City provides a refreshing escape, fostering a sense of community and renewal [[2]].
For those unable to attend in person, extensive coverage of the festival is available through the Associated Press, ensuring that audiences worldwide can stay connected to the latest developments [[2]].
| key Details | 2025 Sundance Film Festival |
|——————|———————————|
| Dates | January 23 – February 2 |
| Location | Park City & Salt Lake City, UT |
| Projects | 86 feature films, 6 episodic |
| Theme | bold independant storytelling |
As the festival unfolds, it remains a beacon of creativity and resilience, celebrating the power of film to inspire and unite. for more updates and insights, visit the official Sundance Film Festival hub [[2]].
into Film: A Deep Dive into “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”
Table of Contents
Conan O’Brien, the beloved late-night host, has taken an unexpected leap into the world of cinema with his role in the critically acclaimed film If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. The movie, which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, has already captivated audiences with its raw emotional intensity and artistic depth.
O’Brien, who joked that he didn’t realize he was in a movie, shared his astonishment at being approached by A24 for the project. “I’m not looking out for movie scripts or anything.But when I got a call from A24 that they wanted me to read something, I’m not stupid,” O’Brien said. “I showed it to my wife, who is one of the smartest people I know, and she read through it and she said, ‘I didn’t know they made movies like this anymore.’”
The film, directed by Mary Bronstein, is a haunting exploration of emotional burnout, anchored by a powerhouse performance from Rose Byrne. O’Brien was notably in awe of his co-star, stating, “I don’t know how (Byrne) did that and not check into a hospital afterwards, as I haven’t seen any actor, man or woman, sustain that level for an entire movie.”
The narrative is rich with ambiguity and metaphor, from its enigmatic title to a mysterious hole in the ceiling that takes on a supernatural quality. Bronstein explained, “When we have nothing left to give, we have an emptiness inside of us. And that emptiness is actually not empty: It’s filled with all the darkness and self-hate and doubt and fear and dread and regret and everything. … That to me is what the hole is.”
The film also features A$AP Rocky in a supporting role, though he was notably absent from the Sundance premiere due to being on trial for charges related to a shooting incident.
Bronstein, a cult figure in the indie film world, made her directorial debut in 2008 with Yeast, a mumblecore classic that featured a pre-fame Greta Gerwig. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You marks only her second feature, a project she describes as deeply personal. “This is the first time that anybody else has paid for me to make art,” Bronstein said. “I’m proud to say that this is the film that came directly from my head to the screen.”
The film’s premiere at Sundance has already generated critically important buzz, with critics and audiences alike praising its bold storytelling and emotional resonance. As O’Brien put it,“I feel like I have to go to a hospital now,because this was the first time I watched it. I’m a mess.”
Key Highlights of “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”
| Director | Mary Bronstein |
|---|---|
| led Actors | Rose Byrne, Conan O’Brien, A$AP Rocky |
| Premiere | 2025 sundance Film Festival |
| themes | Emotional burnout, ambiguity, metaphor |
| Critical Reception | Highly praised for artistic depth and performances |
For those eager to experience this cinematic masterpiece, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You promises to be a thought-provoking journey into the complexities of the human psyche. Stay tuned for its wider release and prepare to be immersed in a film that defies convention and leaves a lasting impact.
2025 Sundance Film Festival
The 2025 Sundance Film Festival is in full swing, captivating audiences with its bold self-reliant storytelling and vibrant community spirit. Held in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, this year’s festival runs from January 23 to February 2, showcasing 86 feature films and six episodic projects. The event, now in its 41st edition, continues to be a cornerstone of cinematic discovery and discussion, as envisioned by its founder, Robert Redford.
This year’s lineup is a testament to the festival’s commitment to innovative storytelling. The Sundance Institute announced the selected projects on December 11, 2024, highlighting a diverse array of voices and perspectives. From thought-provoking dramas to groundbreaking documentaries, the festival offers something for every cinephile.
Amid the excitement, the festival also serves as a respite for many in the film industry, notably those affected by the recent Los Angeles-area wildfires. The serene mountain setting of Park City provides a refreshing escape, fostering a sense of community and renewal.
For those unable to attend in person, extensive coverage of the festival is available through the Associated Press, ensuring that audiences worldwide can stay connected to the latest developments.
Key Details
| Dates | January 23 – February 2 |
|---|---|
| Location | Park City & Salt Lake City, UT |
| projects | 86 feature films, 6 episodic |
| Theme | Bold self-reliant storytelling |
As the festival unfolds, it remains a beacon of creativity and resilience, celebrating the power of film to inspire and unite. For more updates and insights, visit the official Sundance Film Festival hub.
