Actress Rose Byrne has offered glowing praise for comedian Conan O'Brien's dramatic turn in the new film "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
In the psychological drama directed by Mary Bronstein, Byrne plays Linda, a woman grappling with her child's mysterious illness, marital problems, and a missing person case. O'Brien takes on the role of her therapist, with their characters sharing what's described as an increasingly hostile dynamic.
Speaking at Sundance, Byrne commended O'Brien's commitment to his first major dramatic role. "He was adorable. He was so engaged in the creative process," she told SFGate, adding that the former late-night host proved to be a "great scene partner" despite their characters' tense relationship.
The pair had previously crossed paths during Byrne's multiple appearances on O'Brien's talk shows, though this marks their first time working together in a dramatic film setting.
Early reviews have been favorable, with critics from RogerEbert.com describing O'Brien's performance as "excellent," while Variety praised his "amusing" portrayal. The film is currently making its rounds on the festival circuit.
This role marks a notable departure for O'Brien, who has recently ventured into more acting opportunities since ending his late-night television career. His recent credits include appearances in "Please Don't Destroy: The Legend of Foggy Mountain" and a portrayal of Andy Warhol in "Weird: The Al Story."
With O'Brien set to host the upcoming Academy Awards in March, this dramatic debut could signal a new chapter in his entertainment career.