Seldom has a breakdown of woman's psyche been presented with such intense internal torment as Rose Byrne brings to her Linda character in "If I had legs I'd kick you." In nearly every scene, her world seemingly crashes, and her mind (understandably) along with it. If it's not her ailing daughter, then it's her patient, or her absent husband, or even the concierge at the local hotel, where she stays while her flooded apartment awaits repairs that keep getting postponed indefinitely. The fact that she never obtains and pistol and shoots everyone says that she's more patient than I would've been in her shoes.
To speak of the movie's plot is futile, because it doesn't exactly possess one. Instead, it presents us with a series of small catastrophes that suggest an incoming neurosis that is moments away from imploding. Writer/director Mary Bronstein has constructed a complex drama where an adult female's psychological decay is front and center, much like John Cassavetes used to do five decades ago.
"If I had legs I'd kick you" is not an easy watch. Those with a weak stomach, who will likely prefer more cheerful fare, will deprive themselves one of the best performances of the year. If Byrne isn't nominated for an Oscar next year, it will be a great shame indeed.
☆☆☆
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