As fashion month wraps up, this Thursday’s episode of The Run-Through delves into one of the standout films featured at this year’s Sundance: Mary Bronstein’s intriguing psychological dramedy If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, starring the talented Rose Byrne.
Before the movie hits theaters this Friday, Rose joined Chloe Malle and Taylor Antrim in the podcast studio to discuss its significant themes, including the challenges of motherhood and caretaking; explore some of its most stunning scenes (that finale!); and share her enthusiasm for her co-stars, A$AP Rocky and Conan O’Brien.
Check out a slightly modified and condensed version of their conversation—then listen to the full episode for in-depth discussions about Rose’s partner Bobby Cannavale’s latest Broadway role in Yasmina Reza’s Art; Rose’s upcoming stage appearance in Noël Coward’s Fallen Angels, alongside Kelli O’Hara; the toughest skills she has learned for a role (including a portrayal of… Gloria Steinem?); and how she and stylist Kate Young craft her red carpet ensembles. Don’t miss a second of it.
Chloe Malle: I want to dive into Legs because Taylor and I have vastly different preferences when it comes to movies. He enjoys very intense films…
Taylor Antrim: I do. I love that feeling of your heart racing a bit—
CM: It’s like being on a rollercoaster for two hours.
TA: Exactly. I find that thrilling.
CM: I simply find that… challenging.
Rose Byrne: There’s a sense of claustrophobia. I agree. The film demands a lot from its viewers, creating an intense experience. It’s a bit radical and has a punk-rock essence to it, definitely possessing an underlying tension that is somewhat alleviated by comedy. There are moments where you can laugh at the absurdity of it all.
CM: And heart! There are genuine moments of empathy that resonate.
TA: Your character’s daughter struggles with an eating disorder and relies on a feeding tube. The challenge your character faces is when the doctor, played by Mary Bronstein, insists your daughter must gain about 50 pounds this week or face further intervention.
CM: The doctor character truly expresses judgment—both subtly and overtly—regarding how your character is managing the situation.
TA: The film highlights a desperate need to escape reality… the camera is fixed on your face throughout. Linda is the protagonist, yet we see very little objectivity from her; it’s essentially her perspective.
RB: Definitely a reflection of her point of view the entire time.
TA: What were your initial thoughts upon reading the script?
RB: The script was electrifying, almost like a fever dream—existential, exploring motherhood and the nuances of being a caretaker with multiple layers. I found it both terrifying and exhilarating. The final product stayed true to the essence of the script. What you read is essentially what you see on-screen.
CM: Yet, after witnessing the film, I wondered how exhausting it was to create, as I personally needed a long soak in the tub.
RB: Absolutely; your nerves are certainly on edge. While filming, my adrenaline was at a peak due to the pace. The story is ambitious, particularly with its sequences—all practically filmed with minimal special effects, on a modest budget over just 26 or 27 days.
TA: In Montauk?
RB: Yes, shot between Montauk and the city, but I was so adrenaline-fueled that it wasn’t until after shooting that I realized how intense it had been—like performing in a play, stepping on stage and almost forgetting the journey from start to finish. By the end, I felt somewhat bereft and experienced a sort of separation anxiety from Mary Bronstein, our writer/director.
TA: She’s brilliant in the film as well.
RB: Absolutely! She possesses a humorlessness that makes her character the nemesis of Linda.
TA: In a way, she’s like the audience’s surrogate, encouraging them to want your character to take decisive action and attend that appointment…
RB: Precisely.
TA: Many viewers feel they haven’t seen you like this before. Sure, there was Physical, which leans darker in comedy, but this film is undeniably serious.
CM: Just a heads-up to anyone who loves Bridesmaids: this is much different—prepare yourselves.
TA: Do you consider genre classifications when evaluating a script? Is it a thought of, This is my escape from expectations, or do you not approach it that way?
RB: I perceived it as a tremendous opportunity. There was no way I was going to mess this up. At a recent Telluride Film Festival panel, Mary, Jodie Foster, and I discussed genre, its limitations, and the freedoms it offers. I believe Mary’s film transcends typical genre boundaries. As a creative, I thrive on exploring all avenues. The best dramas have humor, and vice versa, as they stem from the same emotional core. This film allowed me to embrace both, though it is certainly more dramatic than something like Bridesmaids or Spy.
CM: It truly is a balancing act. You cover so much ground!
RB: Yes, quite fulfilling creatively—a major highlight in my career.
TA: Share the ages of your kids with Rose.
CM: Sure! My daughter is three, and each morning feels like a battle.
RB: High cortisol levels, for sure.
TA: That resonates deeply with this film.
CM: I completely relate. Just last weekend, my daughter refused to eat, and I had to walk away. I feel incredibly fortunate over the last five years that women are having increasingly candid dialogues about the complexities of motherhood. Have you drawn on any texts or films to enrich this character?
RB: Mary Bronstein, our writer/director, has openly shared her personal journey of parenthood, serving as my anchor in portraying the character and narrative. I adore the emerging dialogue around motherhood, as there’s historically been shame surrounding feelings like anger, disappointment, and frustration. Motherhood is often revered yet also dismissed in society. It’s the most vital job, yet fraught with challenges and lacking support. Mary doesn’t shy away from these realities, portraying my character’s harsh choices about motherhood and the denial she experiences.
CM: I truly believe you’re spot on, and I try to remind myself to seek out joy amidst it all. Mary’s decision to keep the child out of the film until the very end is an intriguing artistic choice; we’re inhabiting your mental space.
RB: Exactly what she intended. It was a bold idea—I was initially surprised when she proposed it. Of course, I did see the child. Delaney Quinn, the brilliant young actress, became my scene partner, and her presence greatly influenced my choices. Working with a child on set brings an inevitable lightness, and that was a genuine gift.
CM: How old is Delaney?
RB: At the time, she was 10—she’s probably 12 now. An amazing kid who loves horror movies; we chatted about all things children tend to discuss. Such a joy!
TA: I can’t help but wonder how COVID impacted our experiences as parents; it created a unique backdrop for all of us…
CM: You faced a particularly tough time.
RB: How old are your kids?
TA: My son is nearing 11, and my daughter’s 13. I’m a bit ahead of you with your boys…
RB: Yes, mine are 7 and 9. I also have a 30-year-old stepson, so we cover the entire spectrum.
CM: Yet your experience during COVID must have been one of the hardest; I often think how I would struggle with my kids’ ages now.
RB: I completely understand. Those quarantines in Australia were strictly enforced; you couldn’t leave your room. I went through that twice with my kids for two weeks. It felt so melancholic by the end.
CM: I wanted to ask if there was a point of parenting claustrophobia or frustration that you tapped into… perhaps from being confined for two weeks in Australia?
RB: My memories of quarantine certainly include the… phone calls with partners discussing the kids…
CM: That truly struck a chord for me.
RB: Authenticity in those phone calls can be tough! Mary was superb in making them feel so specific and practical, with [Christian Slater] often stuck in bizarre locations trying to connect.
TA: Speaking of sequences, there’s a scene towards the end—an almost spoiler alert situation—where you repeatedly dive into the ocean waves. I’ve rarely seen anything like it.
CM: It sent shivers down my spine!
TA: It looked daunting to watch. Can you share some insights about that?
RB: It was a massive sequence! We essentially scheduled the entire shoot around it, needing to wrap up before the temperatures dropped in Montauk. It became a logistical puzzle to ensure its execution before the summer ended. Having grown up in Sydney, I learned to swim very young; being in the water is ingrained in the culture. I respect the ocean’s power, especially with Montauk’s notoriously rough waters. Just prior to that sequence, the waves had been calm, and then, suddenly, they swelled fiercely that night. There was a strong sense of camaraderie as we all worked to make that scene happen, and we came incredibly close to losing our cinematographer. While we had ample safety precautions in place, it was indeed an ambitious venture.
CM: Did embodying this character shift any of your perspectives on motherhood or remind you of how unrealistic the expectations often are?
RB: Absolutely! Every aspect of the film has influenced my views. The discussions we had with mothers of children with special needs were profoundly heavy and revealing. Their stories were candid and impactful, and they will stick with me for a long time. On numerous levels, the film has reshaped my understanding of motherhood.
CM: What are those calls with Bobby like? Are they similar to those Christian Slater ones?
RB: They’re dominated by logistics and groceries—constant mentions of schedules and shopping lists. Do you experience something similar?
TA: I handle the groceries and the planning too. I play the CEO role, but Liz is more fun.
CM: That’s exactly my situation! Graham manages everything, but I bring the fun.
RB: Bobby gets the attention—he’s undoubtedly the fun one while keeping things practical.
CM: The delight we take in [A$AP] Rocky is immense!
TA: That was such an enjoyable cover story.
CM: He won everyone over at the Met. It was a universal experience.
RB: I feel like it’s broadly shared. It’s certainly been mine too.
CM: Was this his debut in film?
RB: No, he had previously done a few minor roles. He was so generous, curious, and the character he portrayed was challenging, being the only one in the film who displays empathy and awareness of the situation.
TA: His character provides a breath of fresh air—he’s crucial to keeping the audience invested in my character. He beautifully navigated a complex role. Mary Bronstein’s casting choices are truly ingenious, as seen with Conan O’Brien playing my therapist.
CM: That’s quite bold—insisting on having both Conan and Rocky play pivotal roles.
RB: Exactly! It’s definitely in the punk rock spirit.
