When A24 shared a glimpse of their latest release, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” it wasn’t just another promo drop—it was a declaration. The post featured a series of stunning stills alongside a deeply personal letter from Mary Bronstein, the film’s writer, director, and star: “My blood, sweat, tears, and hands were used to make this film with a wonderful team of collaborators who bought into my fully formed vision. I will now step away and give this film to those who need it. Here you are! Come to the dark theater and revel in all of it.”
That single message encapsulates the spirit of the film. “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” is not content to be watched—it demands to be felt. At its center is Linda, a therapist juggling the impossible balance between her professional obligations and the care of her ailing, unseen daughter. When their fragile home life collapses (literally, as the ceiling caves in), Linda’s emotional and psychological state fractures in ways both terrifying and tender.
With Rose Byrne delivering a career-defining performance that earned her the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, and a cast that includes Christian Slater, Danielle Macdonald, Conan O’Brien, and A$AP Rocky, Bronstein’s ensemble feels alive, unpredictable, and painfully human. Each scene trembles with tension, grounded in her raw direction and the hypnotic realism A24 films often master.
Yet what makes Bronstein’s debut truly striking isn’t just its performances or visual power—it’s her fearless surrender. Her letter reads like an artist’s exhalation, the moment she lets go of a piece of herself and trusts audiences to take it from here. In an era of curated perfection and algorithmic storytelling, Bronstein’s film is messy, emotional, and devastatingly human.
“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” isn’t just a movie—it’s a mirror for anyone who’s ever felt on the edge. And judging by the reaction on X, the world is ready to step into that dark theater and revel in all of it.