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In a year that we’re set to get a solo directorial effort from each of theSafdie brothers, we’re also seeing a Safdie-esque film from a decidedly feminist perspective.If I Had Legs I’d Kick Youis certain to be divisive, as it will earn many fans for its unusual tone and bluntly honest approach to its themes, but some may find it difficult to connect with for the same reasons.
If I Had Legs I’d Kick YouReview
If I Had Legs I’d Kick Youfollows a woman whose world is both literally and figuratively crashing down around her, as she struggles to deal with home damage, her daughter’s mysterious illness, and her own mental health struggles. The word to describe this film is “relentless” because, after about five minutes, the film is just a non-stop barrage of cruelty to its protagonist.
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While this approach does lend itself to several laugh-out-loud moments — and even a few that are utterly terrifying — at a certain point, it becomes an overly taxing experience. It’s a really unpleasant experience to watch, and while it’s clear that Bronstein wants the audience to feel challenged and uncomfortable, this film sometimes takes it to such an extreme that it’s disillusioning.
The tone ofIf I Had Legs I’d Kick Youis best described as Safdies meets Kaufman meetsNightbitch. In other words, it’s pretty much a two-hour anxiety attack. The Safdies connection is understandable considering that the film is produced by Josh Safdie and Bronstein’s husband, Ronald Bronstein, who is a frequent Safdies collaborator. However, even though it’s easy to compare the film to other styles that have become popular to copy in recent years, Bronstein’s voice still shines through in a way that feels bracingly original.
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Bronstein’s film manages to be both incredibly dense and quite obvious with its symbolism. For example, there’s a lot of recurring yonic symbolism involving holes that appear in the protagonist’s life in different forms. It’s a delicate balance that the filmmaker mostly manages to pull off — offering enough ambiguity to invite discussion but also being specific enough to not be frustratingly vague.
Visually,If I Had Legs I’d Kick Youalso has the dark, grimy feel of a Safdies film, which is likely thanks to the fact that its cinematographer, Christopher Messina, worked as a camera operator on many of the Safdies’ films. However, there’s also a surreal angle to the film, and the production design and visual effects do an excellent job of creating an almost trance-like state for the film to exist in.
If I Had Legs I’d Kick Youworks best as a showcase for the talents of Rose Byrne, who has inarguably never been better than she is here. Her character is frequently annoying and sometimes even detestable, but Byrne approaches it with an unexpected empathy and humanity that allows her story to resonate despite its off-puttingness. She nails the entire range of emotions and tones that the film demands, from humorous to devastating.
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The extent to which audiences will appreciate Bronstein’s film will hinge on how much patience and forgiveness they are willing to give the character. And to her credit, Bronstein is willing to engage with the complexities of the protagonist and, in turn, real-life motherhood. Unlike many other films that explore similar themes, the protagonist is not depicted as a martyr, which results in a more nuanced discussion of these ideas.
Although this film is firmly centered on Byrne, she is surrounded by a supporting cast that offers some memorable moments. While one might expect Conan O’Brien to be the comedic relief, his role is much more nuanced than one would imagine, with him contributing to some of the film’s most affecting scenes. And one of the film’s biggest surprises is A$AP Rocky, who is incredibly charming in his shockingly large supporting role.
IsIf I Had Legs I’d Kick Youworth watching?
Ultimately, even if I didn’t particularly enjoyIf I Had Legs I’d Kick You, it’s still incredibly refreshing to see such an ambitious, audacious swing as this. Mary Bronstein is an unquestionably idiosyncratic voice, and this bizarre yet intimate film is sure to have its fair share of fans that connect with its strange vision of motherhood.
If I Had Legs I’d Kick Youis screening at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, which runs January 22-February 2 in Park City and Salt Lake City, UT, and January 30-February 2 online.
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Sean Boelman
Managing Editor for Film and TV
Articles Published :441
Sean is the Managing Editor for Film and Television, working to determine editorial strategy for the critics team. He has been on the FandomWire team since 2022.In addition to writing reviews himself, Sean helps match writers on the FandomWire team with assignments that best fit their interests and expertise.
