Actress Rose Byrne and writer-director Mary Bronstein sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to discuss their Sundance film, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. Already named a contender for the best actress Oscars race, Byrne noted her immediate admiration of the screenplay: “There have not been many times as an actress that I’ve had something come my way that was this compelling. I was obsessed with it.” She described attending Bronstein’s apartment three times a week to thoroughly discuss every aspect of the script.

The logline of the A24 acquired film is: With her life literally crashing down around her, Linda attempts to navigate her child’s mysterious illness, her absent husband, a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist.

The origin of the comedy thriller came from a time in Bronstein’s life when her daughter was struggling with health issues and they needed to share a very uncomfortable motel room. The Yeast writer-director felt the only way to regain control was to write about the experience.

With regard to casting Byrne who has starred in a number of comedic films including Bridesmaids, Spy, and Neighbors, Bronstein stated: “I also believe that if you’re asking the audience to go way down to the bottom of the emotional pit with you, you’re going to be helped if the audience has an initial positive reaction when that person comes on screen. And that’s totally the way it is with Rose.”

Byrne isn’t the only notable cast member. Conan O’Brien co-stars as Linda’s therapist and rapper ASAP Rocky plays a motel superintendent. The film currently has a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes from 35 reviews.