"Sometimes change hits like a filthy bass line," we’re told in this fictionalized biopic of the titular Irish hip-hop trio. Underpinned by themes of language and identity, writer/director Rich Peppiatt’s rude, raucous film remixes music-movie clichés to Kneecap’s rebel tune with galvanizing verve. Tearing straight outta Belfast on barrelling beats, Kenneth Branagh it ain’t.
Friends, drug dealers and pro-republicans, Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh (stage name: Mo Chara) and Naoise Ó Cairealláin (Móglaí Bap) find their calling when the latter is arrested. Tasked to translate Naoise’s Irish for English-speaking cops, teacher JJ Ó Dochartaigh (DJ Próvaí) sets Naoise’s notebook rhymes to music. Soon gigging in pubs, the Irish-language rappers scrawl ‘Brits Out’ slogans on their arses, mistake ketamine for coke, call for change – and, inevitably, draw the attention of the ‘Peelers’ and worse.
Mixing fiction/reality, comedy/drama and more, Peppiatt treads tonal high wires confidently. Alongside pro turns from Michael Fassbender (Naoise’s terrorist dad), Simone Kirby (Naoise’s mum) and others, the track-suited title trio’s natural presence carries the film assuredly.
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Grounding events in near-truth, Peppiatt also flaunts energizing shows of formal playfulness and wit, albeit with debts to Trainspotting. And as things darken, a subplot involving the ‘Radical Republicans Against Drugs’ amusingly echoes Life of Brian, while fast-forwarding VHS-style over violent beatings.
Amid these outlandish detours, a call to recognize the Irish language is cannily handled. Even as the climax threatens to turn sober, the blistering soundtrack rectifies that risk: cutting to Kneecap in concert, Peppiatt fuels the film’s message with exuberant, exhilarating life.
Kneecap is released in UK cinemas on August 23 and is US theaters now.
For more, check out our guides to upcoming movies and 2024 movie release dates.
