Sun Jan 26 15:00:00 UTC 2025: **Rose Byrne and Conan O’Brien Shine at Sundance Premiere of “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”**

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — The Sundance Film Festival was abuzz Friday night with the premiere of A24’s “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” a psychological thriller directed by Mary Bronstein. The film, starring Rose Byrne as a mother grappling with a crisis alongside her mysteriously ill daughter, proved to be a highly anticipated event, with tickets in incredibly high demand.

Byrne delivers a powerful performance as Linda, a woman facing a cascade of challenges, from a damaged apartment to escalating conflicts, pushing her to the brink of emotional and mental collapse. Bronstein, drawing inspiration from her own experiences, crafted a visceral portrayal of a mother’s burnout, focusing on the caregiver’s struggle rather than solely the child’s illness. The director collaborated extensively with Byrne to develop Linda’s character, resulting in a realistic and deeply affecting performance.

Conan O’Brien, who plays Linda’s therapist, added comedic levity to the premiere. He expressed amazement at the film’s intensity and praised both Byrne and Bronstein’s work. O’Brien admitted to being initially surprised by the film’s unique style and thematic depth. Also appearing in the film is A$AP Rocky, though he was absent from the Park City premiere due to his ongoing trial.

The film, characterized by its ambiguity and artistic expression, has already garnered significant praise from critics and festival attendees. Bronstein, whose previous work includes the mumblecore classic “Yeast,” described the film as a deeply personal project, a direct translation of her vision to the screen. “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” is set for release later this year.

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