If I Had Legs I'd Kick You: A Stressful Parenting Drama with a Twist
After a traumatic ceiling collapse, a therapist (Rose Byrne) and her chronically ill daughter are forced into a motel. Writer-director Mary Bronstein's latest work is a gripping, claustrophobic journey, blending high-stakes drama with a surreal, dreamlike quality. It's a unique and intense experience, akin to a high-speed car chase with a touch of an escape room.
The story begins with a therapist, Linda (Rose Byrne), in a state of despair. With her husband away and a daughter with special needs, she's at her breaking point. The collapse of their apartment ceiling is the final straw, creating a metaphorical hole that symbolizes her mounting stress. This opening scene sets the tone for the entire film, as Linda's life spirals out of control.
Bronstein's use of thematic nesting dolls adds depth to the narrative. Linda's relationship with her therapist colleague, played by the steely Conan O'Brien, mirrors her own evasiveness in therapy. Her client, Caroline (Danielle Macdonald), is overwhelmed with anxiety over her newborn, further emphasizing the theme of motherhood and the challenges it brings. These nested themes create a sense of unease and a feeling of being trapped, much like the characters themselves.
A glimmer of hope appears in the form of motel superintendent James (A$AP Rocky), but the film's cinematography, captured by Christopher Messina, suggests Linda's struggle to break free from her self-centered thoughts. The director's bold decision to keep her daughter, played by Delaney Quinn, mostly off-screen adds to the film's intensity and uniqueness.
Despite its intense and stressful nature, the film is perversely enjoyable. Bronstein's work is a gripping, thought-provoking piece that explores the pressures of motherhood and the human condition. It's a must-watch for those who can handle the stress and want to delve into a unique, surreal drama.
