Based on the origin story of the riotous and ground-breaking Irish-language rap trio Kneecap, the film stars the band’s Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí in their acting debuts alongside Academy Award® nominated Michael Fassbender with Simone Kirby, Jessica Reynolds, Fionnuala Flaherty and Josie Walker.
Kneecap bursts onto the screen as a chaotic, hilarious, and utterly gripping film that grabs you from the very first moment and refuses to let go. Directed by first-time feature filmmaker Rich Peppiatt, this semi-autobiographical story about three rebellious young men from West Belfast blends the raucous energy of Trainspotting with a politically charged narrative, delivering a powerful film that is as socially conscious as it is entertaining. With its frenetic pace, sharp humour, and profound message about cultural identity, Kneecap is an absolute must-see – a 5 out of 5 film that redefines what a band biopic can be.
At its core, Kneecap is a wild ride that tells the origin story of the real-life Gaelic rap group Kneecap, whose journey from small-time drug dealers to cultural icons is both fascinating and deeply rooted in the political landscape of Northern Ireland.
Played by the band members themselves – Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara, and DJ Próvaí – the film follows Liam Ó Hannaidh and Naoise Ó Cairealláin, childhood friends who stumble into music after a chance encounter with their Irish-language teacher JJ Ó Dochartaigh. The unlikely trio, bound together by crime and circumstance, quickly find themselves at the centre of a political storm as they use their music to champion civil rights and preserve the Irish language.
Peppiatt's direction is nothing short of electric, capturing the frenetic energy of these three young men with an innovative and visceral filmmaking style. Much like Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting, Kneecap thrives on chaos, throwing the audience headfirst into the band’s whirlwind of rebellious antics, drug-fuelled escapades, and police confrontations.
Peppiatt heightens the sense of bedlam with dynamic editing, animated sequences, and even claymation, which is cleverly used to illustrate the effects of drugs like ketamine. These creative choices not only immerse the audience in the madness of the band’s world but also provide moments of surreal, visual brilliance that keep the film constantly engaging.
The film's narrative feels almost too wild to be true – yet it is firmly rooted in reality. Kneecap got its start when Liam Ó Hannaidh was arrested in 2017 for spray-painting “Cearta” (“Rights”) on a wall, a day before a significant Irish Language Act march in Belfast. Refusing to speak English during his police interrogation, Liam Ó Hannaidh’s rebellious stand became a symbol for the movement to save the Irish language from extinction.
In the film, this moment is portrayed with a mix of humour and defiance, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of the band and the film itself. It's moments like these that make Kneecap feel not just like a story of youthful rebellion, but a powerful commentary on cultural repression and resistance.
The film brilliantly straddles the line between comedy and drama, never shying away from the harsh realities of life in Northern Ireland, while delivering laugh-out-loud moments at every turn. The banter between Liam, Naoise, and JJ is razor-sharp, with a natural chemistry that makes their journey from graffiti-spraying hooligans to underground rap stars feel authentic and compelling.
Their encounters with the law, their families, and various unimpressed political factions are peppered with riotous humour, yet there is always an underlying tension that reminds the audience of the high stakes at play. After all, this is more than just a story about a band – it’s a story about cultural survival, about fighting for the right to exist in a world that seeks to erase your identity.
Much of the film’s strength comes from the incredible performances of the band members themselves, who bring a raw and undeniable charisma to their roles. Despite their lack of professional acting experience, Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara, and DJ Próvaí deliver performances that are both authentic and magnetic, making it easy to root for them as they navigate the ups and downs of fame and political controversy.
Their journey is made all the more compelling by standout supporting performances from Michael Fassbender and Simone Kirby, who add depth to the film’s exploration of family, heritage, and rebellion. Fassbender, in particular, shines as Naoise’s father, Arlo, a former republican paramilitary who faked his death to avoid British authorities and taught the boys to speak Irish. His presence in the film adds a layer of generational struggle, highlighting the ongoing battle to preserve the Irish language.
What truly sets Kneecap apart from other biopics is its unabashed embrace of political commentary. The film doesn’t just focus on the band’s rise to fame – it’s also a searing critique of the cultural and political dynamics in Northern Ireland. Language, as the film makes clear, is power. What we speak, and who decides what we can speak, is a fundamental form of control, and Kneecap uses its platform to challenge this notion with humour, defiance, and heart. “Every word of Irish spoken is a bullet for Irish freedom,” says one of the band members, encapsulating the film’s core message. This is a film about more than music; it’s about the preservation of a nation’s heritage, and the fight to resist oppression in all its forms.
Despite its heavy themes, Kneecap never feels preachy or weighed down by its political message. Peppiatt deftly balances the film’s deeper meanings with a fast-paced, frenetic energy that keeps the audience on their toes. The film is loud, bold, and unrelenting – much like the band itself – and it refuses to take itself too seriously, even as it tackles serious subject matter. The combination of riotous humour and political relevance makes Kneecap one of the most energising viewing experiences of the year, and its appeal goes far beyond fans of the band or the political issues it addresses.
In its 105 minutes, Kneecap manages to be both wildly entertaining and thought-provoking, a rare feat that solidifies it as one of the must-see films of the year. The script, co-written by Peppiatt and the band members, takes creative liberties with the truth but remains grounded in the realities of life in Northern Ireland. The film’s blend of manic energy, political insight, and laugh-out-loud moments make it a perfect successor to films like Trainspotting, capturing the chaotic spirit of a new generation’s rebellion.
With its infectious energy, standout performances, and profound message about the power of language and identity, Kneecap is a five-star triumph. It’s not just a film – it’s an experience, one that leaves you breathless, laughing, and thinking long after the credits roll.
Kneecap is in NZ cinemas on October 24, 2024
Classification: R16
Runtime: 105 minutes