Kneecap – An Energetic Music Comedy

Kneecap is an autobiographical comedy drama chronicling the rise of the Belfast based hip-hop trio Kneecap. The film marks writer/director Rich Peppiatt’s narrative feature debut and also sees the members of the group starring as themselves. When fate brings schoolteacher JJ (Dochartaigh) into the orbit of Naoise (Cairealláin) and Liam Og (Hannaidh), the trio would form Kneecap, a hip-hop group unlike any other. Rapping in their native Irish language, they quickly become the unlikely figureheads of a civil rights movement to save their mother tongue. Despite premiering at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and winning the NEXT audience award, it really feels like it kind of came out of nowhere. Now that it is upon us, hopefully it gets the attention it rightfully deserves as the film is an absolute blast offering much more depth than upon first glance.

Kneecap is a wickedly fast paced, vibrant, and kinetic watch oozing with style, slick editing, and energy throughout. Having shades of Danny Boyle and John Carney all over it, it is very much its own thing and how Peppiatt gives it its own voice, helping it to stand out amongst the onslaught of music biopics. Taste in music is inherently subjective, but that being said, the film has an absolutely banger soundtrack while the music from Kneecap themselves stood up well while also being fairly catchy. Not knowing much about the titular group going into this, the story covers all their highs and lows from their formation and giving audiences a good sense of how these guys became who they were today. Not only does it deliver on the music side of things, the film also teaches audiences about Irish history and the importance of the language which, helping it stand out even more and more fascinating to watch.

Meanwhile, the film finds a way to have a great sense of humour, delivering plenty of funny moments. However, it isn’t all style, chaos, and comedy, as it has heart and emotion that comes out in all the right ways. Casting the members of the titular group as themselves could easily have gone either way, however, that choice only enhances the film, making it all the more unique. All three leads do a tremendous job in front of the camera, especially with their lack of prior acting experience, as their pre-established chemistry is translated well to the screen. Audiences are sure to fall in love with these guys and their dynamic, and that authenticity makes the film that much more immersive in sharing their experiences right with them. In terms of the supporting cast, Michael Fassbender (Arló Ó Cairealláin) is unsurprisingly great, adding a lot of emotion while getting to showcase his underrated comedic talents. Jessica Reynolds (Georgia) also deserves a shout out and is definitely going places.

Where Kneecap stumbles ever so slightly is in its overall tone and opening act. Its energy and style is a major highlight, though starting off very aggressive and in your face, it will take some time to adjust to. While its opening act could be seen as a little excessive at first, it thankfully settles in and finds it footing. The only other issue, albeit a minor one, is that the film’s tone occasionally struggles to stay consistent as the subject matter became more serious. However, those moments were few and far between to the point that they are barely noticeable.

In the end, Kneecap is one hell of a narrative directorial debut and one that puts director Rich Peppiatt on the map as someone to watch. Not only is it a fascinating, funny, and stylish music biopic, it also delivers emotion and a bit of an Irish history lesson where as a whole, helps it stand out amongst the pack.

still courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

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Connor Carey

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