It was a pretty tame Sundance Film Festival in January, but a few films did manage to standout with critical acclaim, and a life outside that festival, including “Sorry Baby,” “The Perfect Neighbor,” “Train Dreams,” and this one.
Mary Bronstein’s “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” produced by A24 (81 on Metacritic) now has a trailer. Despite premiering almost nine months ago, it’s now headed to the fall fests with bows at NYFF, TIFF, and Telluride. Don’t be surprised if it also screens at the BFI London Film Festival.
‘If I Had Legs,’ which also screened at the Berlin Film Festival in February, features a career-best turn from Rose Byrne, an incredibly underrated actress who finally gets her due here.
In the film, Byrne plays Linda, a woman who attempts to navigate her child’s mysterious illness, her absent husband, a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist. In a nutshell her life, and mental psyche, are crumbling before her very eyes.
Indeed, Linda is spiraling out of control, and we’re right there with her as she mentally deteriorates. No surprise, the film has been compared to another film with similar themes, John Cassavetes’ “Woman Under the Influence.”
Byrne is long overdue for broader recognition as one of the most versatile and consistently compelling actresses out there. She held her own opposite Glenn Close in “Damages,” and showcased a knack for comedic timing in hits like “Bridesmaids” and “Neighbors.” She often flies under the radar compared to her peers, but ‘If I Had Legs’ might be the breakthrough she needed all along.
Watch the trailer for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” below. The film opens in limited release on Friday, October 10 via A24.
Criterion's December lineup has some great additions to the library, but the title that jumped out at me is Werner Herzog's "Grizzly Man," which officially joins the Collection on December 8.