How does one balance countless responsibilities? This is a question often posed to mothers, typically accompanied by a sunny tone, but the real answers usually remain unheard. Those asking rarely linger to see the potential chaos simmering just beneath the surface.

Linda, portrayed by the committed Rose Byrne in Mary Bronstein’s film, exposes the struggles of an overwhelmed mother. Her character reveals an honest yet harrowing exploration of motherhood, particularly when no one seems to prioritize her needs.

Linda’s husband, a cruise captain, only checks in occasionally, focusing more on their sick child’s care than on supporting her. Meanwhile, her role as a therapist presents its own challenges as she navigates the crises of her patients, none of whom can give her the attention she desperately needs.

Adding to her struggles, Linda deals with the complexities surrounding her daughter’s critical health issues, which require a feeding tube. The medical professionals seem to overlook Linda’s plight, and even the contractor, tasked with fixing her home, fails to consider her urgency. All around her, Linda finds that she is consistently placed at the bottom of the list.

Director Mary Bronstein employs bold storytelling techniques to emphasize Linda’s isolation. The camera often rests uncomfortably close to Byrne’s face, positioning viewers right within her experience, where her struggles emerge starkly.

Moreover, a notable creative choice is the auditory presence of Linda’s child, juxtaposed with her absence from the frame. This intentional decision ensures the focus remains on Linda while evoking a complex emotional response regarding her motherhood.

The relationship Linda has with the feeding tube symbolizes her mounting guilt, an emotional tether linking her to her child’s severe health circumstances. Even simple tasks, like repairing the collapsing ceiling in her home, transform into overwhelming challenges that reflect the chaotic nature of her life.

In scenes of frustration, such as a confrontation with the repairman, Linda’s plight exemplifies the struggle of handling both monumental responsibilities and trivial inconveniences. The film makes it clear that, for mothers like Linda, every issue becomes intertwined, leading to an eventual loss of perspective.

This chaos also leads to her mismanagement of a patient undergoing postpartum depression, revealing her inadequacies in other areas of her life.

Linda’s only outlet appears to be her therapist, portrayed dramatically by Conan O’Brien in a surprising turn. His character offers little humor, embodying a somber figure who can’t provide the necessary support for Linda as she spirals into her overwhelming reality.

In contrast, James, the motel handyman played by A$AP Rocky, represents a glimmer of genuine support. However, Linda’s singular focus on her turmoil blinds her to his attempts to help.

Ultimately, we see Linda wrestling with the disconnection between her love for her daughter and the chaos consuming her life. The film invites us to reflect on a mother’s profound emotional journey, with Byrne delivering a powerful performance that illustrates both resilience and vulnerability.

‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’ brings forth an authentic portrayal of motherhood that resonates deeply, stemming from Bronstein’s own experiences. It’s a chance for Byrne to display her acting prowess, stepping far outside her comfort zone.

Released by A24 and rated R for language, drug use, and graphic imagery, the film runs for 113 minutes and is rated three stars out of four.