"I'd Kick You If I Could": The Horrors of Motherhood

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A film called "I'd Kick You If I Could" has been released in Russia, a new independent production from the A24 studio. Rose Byrne, an actress who often fails to land roles that could bring "big awards," won a Silver Bear for her performance in this film. It's also worth noting that director Mary Bronstein, making her feature film debut, received positive reviews for her "uncompromising vision." Film journalist Klara Khomenko shares her opinion on who should pay attention to this film, and who is better off saving their emotional strength.

Linda, played by Rose Byrne, faces difficulties: she has a sick daughter, and her husband, a sailor by profession (Christian Slater), is constantly absent. When the ceiling in their apartment collapses, she is forced to move into a motel on her own, organize repairs, and care for a child in need of therapy. Meanwhile, she continues to work as a psychologist, trying to help her clients cope with their problems.

Due to chronic stress, Linda is regularly late for her sessions, constantly forgets things, and often breaks down. She tries to establish a drinking habit and constantly cries out for help: "Help me!" However, she might as well be talking to the walls. Or to that hole in the ceiling where she occasionally thinks she sees outer space and hears her daughter's voice.

Mary Bronstein created this story when the ceiling in her home collapsed, forcing her to leave her home to live in a motel with her sick daughter. This unpleasant event, aggravated by the physical and emotional stress familiar to every mother, became a real challenge for her.

Bronstein, who had some experience exploring psychological and social issues through experimental visual approaches, considered turning her story into a television project. She believed a television program would bring more attention to women's issues. However, her friend, actress Natasha Lyonne, looked at the script and remarked, "You should take this and make it an award-winning movie. Just go and do it." This is not a television project, this is a movie! ”

Mary worked on the script for two years, and it took her another seven years to find financing. During this period, A24, a studio known for its independent films, emerged and gained popularity. The producers not only provided funding for production and distribution but also gave Mary Bronstein the opportunity to independently realize her film project.

The film was warmly received at the Sundance Film Festival and the Berlinale, and was also included in the 2025 Best Picture list at the Rome Film Festival. Although Bronstein did not receive any awards, Rose Byrne was able to win the Silver Bear for Best Actress. This well-deserved trophy was a significant achievement for an actress who often remains in the shadows, and the film itself, unfortunately, was also underrepresented.

"I'd Kick You If I Could" is a masterfully crafted film in which everyday moments are so familiar that they create a sense of poignancy. The hole in the ceiling and the wound on the daughter's body. The emptiness that the heroine feels in the endless expanses of space, and the abyss of the sea into which she strives to dissolve in the finale.

Underneath all this, there's a vivid metaphor for the feminine womb, capable of bringing life and simultaneously shading it in difficult moments. For example, if you're a woman on the verge of an emotional breakdown over trivial things like insufficiently responsible colleagues, a husband who's always on the phone, a baby unexpectedly arriving at the office, bureaucratic obstacles, and the boundless self-confidence of men, combined with their complete irresponsibility.

Some critics have expressed dissatisfaction with Bronstein's failure to find harmony between dark comedy and dramatic elements. However, when viewed as a horror film, "I Would Kick You If I Could" gains its strength: Linda is in a constant battle with shape-shifting monsters. Their numbers increase, her resources are depleted, and those who come to her aid ultimately turn out to be even more terrifying monsters, representing the consequences of her actions.

"I Would Kick You If I Could" is a horror film that explores the theme of motherhood. This is a narrative about a female role that, while considered the most natural, is surrounded by numerous restrictions: on displaying aggression, expressing fatigue, asking for support, and even discussing one's obvious difficulties.

One of the most powerful scenes in the film is when Linda breaks down at a support group where mothers of children suffering from illnesses are being told, using callous language, that they are not to blame for their children's suffering. The woman's cry, "We are to blame!" is not a confession of a non-existent crime. It is a cry of despair and anger directed at a society in which fathers, unlike mothers, are by default absolved of all responsibility. Words and actions diverge here, and Linda urgently demands awareness of this injustice.

Obviously, the outcome remains unchanged: she is a mother, and Motherhood implies the loss of the right to one's own truth, a constant state of anxiety and pressure. Linda tries again and again to convey her situation to others and begs for help. However, in response, she encounters the same reaction as the heroine of the film "Gaslight": her husband deliberately drives her crazy, saying: "You're exaggerating. It's just your imagination. Try to pull yourself together. You're just crazy."

A modern woman, including Linda, finds herself in a situation similar to the plot of a classic thriller that gave its name to one of the most brutal forms of psychological abuse. At the same time, she tests herself in an arcade game where the necessary resources, strength, and the opportunity to rest are lacking. The most frightening thing is that the "main enemy" in this story is her own child, whom Linda can only hear but not see, which corresponds to the traditional canons of horror.

The genre-specific affinity is emphasized by the soundtrack, which doesn't include music in the traditional sense, but instead consists of everyday sounds, slightly amplified compared to their usual level. The clock strikes are too loud, the songbirds are excessively noisy, and the rustling of the telephone receiver seems unbearable. Chris Messina's camera regularly focuses on Linda's face—tired, with a feverish glint in her dark eyes and tightly pressed lips.

Watching this can be difficult. Therefore, we wholeheartedly recommend the film "Bronstein" to film journalists: they will not face torment, because the film is truly high quality. This film will also be useful for men, as many of them could improve their empathy. As for women who take care of families, they should pay attention to "Twilight," a Turkish series, or "Downton Abbey" - anything, just so as not to expend their emotional resources. They are already under a lot of pressure.

Women in cinema play a vital role, both behind the camera and on screen. Their contribution to filmmaking and shaping plots is becoming increasingly noticeable. Over time, female characters have evolved, moving from stereotypical images to more complex and multifaceted roles, which allows viewers to gain a deeper understanding of their inner world and motivations.

In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of female directors and screenwriters, which brings diversity to the filmmaking process. The genres of films they star in are becoming more diverse, encompassing not only traditional romantic comedies but also dramas, thrillers, and even action.

Furthermore, films by women often address relevant social issues such as feminism, equality, and girl power. This not only entertains audiences but also provokes profound reflection on the position of women in society.

Women's cinematic achievements are increasingly being recognized with awards and acclaim, demonstrating the importance of their role in the industry. More and more audiences and critics are beginning to realize how necessary a diverse perspective is to create a rich and realistic film world.

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