KNEECAP (2024)
COMEDY | DRAMA | MUSICAL-ISH
Naoise (Naoise “Móglaí Bap” Ó Cairealláin) and Liam Óg (Liam Óg “Mo Chara” Ó hAnnaidh) are two west Belfast nationalists whose lives revolve around partying (doing drugs), dealing (selling them), and spray-painting the odd anti-British slogan as Gaeilge. When they get nicked and refuse to speak English, a square music teacher, JJ (JJ Ó Dochartaigh), is dragged in to translate. On seeing their chaotic notebook of lyrics, which are scribbled as Gaeilge and fuelled by ketamine, he has a revelation: these delinquent eejits might actually have some talent. Donning a tricolour balaclava so his students don’t recognise him, JJ becomes DJ Próvaí and Kneecap are born!
Kneecap has been one of the most surprising cultural phenomena in recent years. The idea that a group of lads from Belfast rapping in Irish would be a smash hit wasn’t on anyone’s radar, but their catchy tunes and wildly energetic concerts have firmly cemented them as one of the most potent live acts, not just in Ireland, but in the world. When it was announced that there was going to be a Kneecap movie, I don’t think I was the only person who rolled their eyes. So, for the day that’s in it – Happy St. Patrick’s Day! – and in honour of Mo Chara being exonerated on what were frankly ludicrous and overblown terrorism charges, here’s how I think the movie fared.
TRAINSPOTTING ON CRAIC
+ I love it when a movie exceeds my expectations. I certainly had my doubts going in, but much like the band themselves, this succeeds against the odds. Kneecap brims over with anarchic energy, a cheeky and irreverent sense of humour, and a wildly independent spirit.
+ It’s a blast from start to finish, but alongside the bawdy sense of humour it also has plenty of worth to say about the sitch-ee-ay-shun in Northern Ireland. If 8 Mile (2002) and Trainspotting (1996) got off their faces on Guinness and yokes during the Troubles, then had an unholy offspring, this is what it would be!
+ One of the most surprising things about the film is how good the band members are as actors. It was a ballsy move to have three non-professionals play themselves in the leads, but it pays off. Mo Chara and Móglaí Bap bring a nice air of authenticity to things, which compensates for any shortcomings in their performances, but the real revelation is JJ Ó Dochartaigh. Because he wears a mask on stage, I was sure they had cast a trained actor as DJ Próvaí. He is a natural, and I could honestly see him having a promising career as an actor if he ever stops dropping sick beats and baiting sickening Brits.
+ Under the guidance of co-writer/director Rich Peppiatt, the trio (who all receive co-writing credits) have crafted a laugh-out-loud riot of a film. There are some brilliant gags (including one of the best cameos I’ve ever seen!), while Ryan Kernaghan’s cinematography, Julian Ulrich and Chris Gill’s editing, and some clever and inventive visuals bring the whole thing to vibrant life.
+ I’m not a massive fan of Kneecap’s music overall, but when myself and Olivia came out of this, we not only wanted to listen to more of the band, it mades us both want to speak more Irish! Fair play to any movie that can achieve that while still being this much fun.
TRAINSPOTTING ON CRACK
- This is a manic ride, and the payoff for that sort of wild energy is that things can be a little messy at times. But what do you expect? This is exactly as unruly as it should be, and it wouldn’t work as well if it was any other way.
- I know a lot of people have been critical of the band for some of their statements, but it’s all born of their anarchic spirit. Who the hell wants clean-cut punk attitude? Go and listen to some nice shiny corporate swill like Westlife if you want to play it safe. Or, you could put aside your reservations and your judgements and have some f**king craic.
Wondering where to watch it? Check JustWatch for availability.
How do my ratings hold up? Is it more of a movie or is it a film? Let me know in the comments below! If you like what I’m trying to do here, please like, subscribe, restack, and share.
Wearing my green H double O D for Paddy's Day. Belter of a movie, instant classic