Rose Byrne’s ‘If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You’ Brings a Raw, Unfiltered Look at Motherhood to Berlin Film Festival

Rose Byrne’s new drama, If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You, offers an intimate, rarely-seen portrayal of motherhood. Directed by Mary Bronstein, the film competes for Berlin’s top prize.

A Film That Redefines the Cinematic Portrayal of Motherhood

Hollywood often glorifies motherhood, portraying it through rose-tinted glasses or limiting it to side plots in larger narratives. However, Rose Byrne’s latest film, If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You, shatters these conventions with an unvarnished look at the raw beauty and sheer exhaustion of being a parent. Competing for the top prize at the Berlin Film Festival, this drama-comedy hybrid is already generating significant buzz for its honest storytelling and unconventional lens on maternal struggles.

The film, written and directed by New York-based indie filmmaker Mary Bronstein, struck a chord with Byrne, who resonated deeply with its realistic depiction of a mother’s emotional turbulence. “The mother is so under-examined in cinema,” Byrne told Reuters. “Seeing this perspective, through the eyes of a woman, is a rare and refreshing experience.”

A Story Rooted in Real-Life Struggles

Byrne takes on the role of Linda, a working mother grappling with an overwhelming crisis. When a gaping hole in her apartment ceiling forces her and her sick child into a cramped hotel room, the pressures of life begin to unravel her carefully maintained composure. The film’s close-quarters cinematography amplifies this sense of claustrophobia, making viewers feel Linda’s emotional and physical confinement in an almost visceral way.

While the film is not autobiographical, Bronstein admits it is “emotionally true.” The story was inspired by her own experience of relocating across the country to care for her ailing daughter. Writing the screenplay was an exercise in catharsis, Bronstein revealed. She recounted spending nights in the bathroom of their temporary hotel stay, as it was the only space where she could turn on a light and write while her child slept. “I wanted to capture the feeling of being completely cornered by life’s circumstances,” she explained.

Intimate Cinematography for a Powerful Perspective

One of the film’s defining stylistic choices is its frequent use of extreme close-up shots. Bronstein, known for her raw and immersive storytelling, deliberately employed this technique to heighten the emotional intensity. “I wanted to be behind her eyeballs almost,” she said, emphasizing that the film forces viewers to experience Linda’s reality without escape.

By compressing the audience into Linda’s perspective, the film creates an atmosphere of suffocation and emotional turmoil, a reflection of the relentless demands of motherhood. This directorial decision resonates with many parents who often find themselves stretched thin with no room to breathe—both physically and emotionally.

Unexpected Cast Members Add Depth to the Narrative

While Byrne leads the film with her signature depth and nuance, If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You boasts an eclectic supporting cast that includes late-night icon Conan O’Brien and rapper A$AP Rocky. Their involvement adds an intriguing layer to the indie drama’s dynamic.

Bronstein revealed that A24, the film’s distributor, encouraged her to meet with musicians for the role of James, a fellow tenant at the hotel. A$AP Rocky, despite never having acted before, immediately clicked with the project. “He’s a Renaissance man—music, fashion, art, and now acting. He was at a point where he really wanted to explore this side of himself,” Bronstein shared. The rapper’s performance reportedly brings a raw and surprising authenticity to the film.

Similarly, Conan O’Brien embraced a radical departure from his comedic persona. Having spent decades in television as a host, O’Brien was eager to take on a serious role. “He’s doing serious acting. It’s no joke,” Bronstein remarked, adding that his unexpected presence only adds to the film’s unique allure.

An Indie Film with a Festival-Winning Edge?

As one of 19 films vying for the Berlin Film Festival’s top prize, If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You carries the signature traits of a potential festival favorite—bold storytelling, emotional depth, and an unconventional approach to narrative. The combination of Bronstein’s intimate, slice-of-life direction and Byrne’s compelling lead performance makes it a standout contender.

In an era where motherhood narratives are often sanitized for mainstream audiences, If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You dares to depict the full spectrum of the experience—the exhaustion, the sacrifice, the claustrophobia, and the moments of unfiltered love. This film, in many ways, is a tribute to the unseen emotional labor of mothers, told with the authenticity and complexity they deserve.

With the backing of A24 and the festival spotlight, the film is poised to leave a lasting impression. Whether it takes home the top prize or not, its impact on storytelling surrounding motherhood is undeniable.

If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You is more than just a festival entry—it is a statement on the realities of motherhood, brought to life through powerful performances and immersive filmmaking. With its bold narrative choices, unexpected casting, and deeply personal storytelling, this indie drama is set to leave audiences reflecting long after the credits roll.

Whether it clinches the Berlin Film Festival’s top prize or simply resonates with audiences, its impact on modern storytelling is already evident. Rose Byrne, Mary Bronstein, and the entire cast have crafted something that doesn’t just entertain but illuminates an often-overlooked aspect of life: the untold, unsanitized story of motherhood.

Source:  (Reuters)

(Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on publicly available data and interviews. Details may change, and readers are encouraged to refer to official sources for the latest updates.)

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