Kneecap (2024)
Kneecap is a semi-fictional biopic about the creation of the eponymous Irish-language rap group in Belfast. Set in post-Troubles Northern Ireland, the film follows three unlikely youngsters—a teacher and two street-smart troublemakers—as they form a controversial hip-hop group that challenges society standards and revitalises the Irish language.
Rich Peppiatt’s directorial debut is a daring and exuberant trip that isn’t afraid to ruffle some feathers. It combines the rebellious attitude of Trainspotting with the cultural pride of The Commitments, yet it falls short of both. The film’s raw energy and unabashed attitude are its most powerful characteristics, capturing the essence of Kneecap’s music and the harsh realism of Belfast’s streets.
The decision to cast the actual band members as themselves is a two-edged sword. On one hand, it adds authenticity to the performances and musical sequences. However, their lack of acting experience occasionally shows, resulting in some stilted moments in the more serious scenes. Nonetheless, their inherent charisma and real camaraderie come through, more than compensating for any technical inadequacies.
Michael Fassbender’s presence as Naoise’s missing father lends seriousness to the proceedings, and he gives a strong performance that improves the sequences he appears in. The star, however, is Simone Kirby as Naoise’s mother, who adds depth and emotional weight to her brief screen time.
Peppiatt’s directing is ambitious, if uneven. He isn’t hesitant to experiment with new visual approaches, including animation and stylised scenes that reflect the characters’ hallucinatory experiences. While these decisions can feel gimmicky at times, they contribute to the film’s overall anarchic spirit.
Ryan Kernaghan’s cinematography is particularly impressive, portraying both the harsh urban environments and the frenzied intensity of the live performances with equal skill. The editing is quick and keeps the tempo going; however, it occasionally approaches sensory overload.
Thematically, Kneecap addresses some serious issues, ranging from the long-term impacts of the Troubles to the preservation of Irish culture, but it does not always go as far as it should in exploring these themes. The film’s treatment of these issues can feel cursory at times, with broad strokes rather than detailed exploration.
The Irish language plays an important role in the film’s identity, and it’s great to see it portrayed as a real, breathing form of expression rather than a mere cultural artefact. The characters’ flawless transitions between Irish and English give another depth of authenticity to the movie.
Where Kneecap truly shines is in its musical moments. The raw energy of the band’s concerts is evident, and the film does a fantastic job of highlighting both their talent and the strength of their message. It is in these moments that you can truly understand why Kneecap has such a devoted following.
However, the film’s irreverent tone and violent descriptions of drug usage may not appeal to all audiences. It strikes a delicate balance between honouring the band’s rebellious attitude and glorifying its more dangerous behaviours, which may be off-putting to certain viewers.
In the end, Kneecap is a flawed yet immensely fun adventure. It has heart, humour, and a terrific soundtrack, even if it doesn’t always reach the right note dramatically. It’s a must-see for fans of the band and those interested in modern Irish culture. Don’t anticipate a polished, by-the-numbers biopic; this is as raw and unfiltered as it gets.