Rose Byrne Delivers a Tremendous Performance in Dark Horror-Comedy
Rose Byrne stars in a barnstorming role as Linda, a psychotherapist pushed to the edge in the pitch-black horror-comedy If I Had Legs I'd Kick You. Directed by Mary Bronstein, this film explores postnatal depression and lonely parental stress through a lens of psychological horror, offering a flip-side to classics like Eraserhead or Rosemary's Baby.
A Therapist in Meltdown Amidst Overwhelming Stress
Byrne's character Linda is a shrink counselled by an impatient Conan O'Brien, struggling with the immense pressures of parenting. Her husband is away, leaving her to care for a sick infant daughter whose identity is portrayed as a pervasive problem, symbolized by a feeding machine that must be carted everywhere. The film uses looming closeups to highlight the banal horrors of childcare, rather than supernatural elements.
Linda attends group therapy sessions at a day-care hospital, where a brusque doctor, played by Mary Bronstein in a cameo, offers bland reassurances while reprimanding her for missed appointments. Added to this, Linda battles deep depression, self-medicating with weed and wine, and engages in unhelpful therapy with her colleague O'Brien, culminating in a quietly emotional confession of love.
Mounting Panic and Brutal Comedy in a Chaotic World
The chaos escalates when Linda's apartment floods due to a gaping hole in the ceiling, leading to Freudian visions and a move to a scuzzy motel. Here, superintendent James, portrayed by A$AP Rocky, emerges as the only person showing genuine care. Byrne excels in depicting a mother and therapist who must appear composed while internally unraveling daily.
Mary Bronstein's direction brilliantly conveys mounting panic and all-consuming sadness, with producer influences from Josh Safdie evident in the sprint towards a nervous breakdown. The film features brutal comedy, such as a hamster being run over juxtaposed with a closeup of takeout food, underscoring the absurdity of Linda's struggles.
A Reflection on Professionalized Empathy and Isolation
If I Had Legs I'd Kick You delves into themes of professionalized empathy, where caregivers like Linda are wary of getting too close to avoid being overwhelmed. Byrne's performance captures the isolation and stress of modern parenting, making this a compelling watch for fans of dark comedies and psychological dramas.
The film is set for release in UK and Irish cinemas from 20 February, promising a unique take on horror and humor in everyday life.
