A24 has had some powerful movies over the years. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You ids one of those movies that was difficult to watch, but featured some amazing drama and performances.

Rose Byrne is remarkable in the film. Her performance as Linda was so visceral, so on the edge that it made me uncomfortable watching, in the good way.

According to IMDB, “With her life crashing down around her, Linda attempts to navigate her child’s mysterious illness, her absent husband, a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist.“

Conan O’Brien had a supporting performance as another therapist that was so unexpected. He did not seem like the Conan O’Brien that we were familiar with. He did an exceptional job with this role.

Linda’s husband was constantly calling and harassing her, but, in the end, when he showed up as Christian Slater, everything fell apart for Linda.

Watching Linda being overwhelmed by everything in her life was some of the most painful stuff that I have seen on the screen in quite some time. With constant bad choices, Linda’s downward spiral was shocking at times. It was a powerful example of mental illness and how it can truly submerge who you are.

We never see the daughter on camera until the very end of the film. The husband was also just a voice for most of the film. Both of these choices added to the isolation feel for Linda and the weight of everything bearing down on her.

This was a very potent movie, but it is not one of those that I want to see again. The performances were top notch, but you do not come out of the experience feeling positive.

3.8 stars