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Rich Peppiatt - Kneecap (2024)

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Kneecap (2024) dir. Rich Peppiatt

Kneecap: Review

Straight Outta Belfast

From Belfast to Hunger, Irish cinema has its fair share of films about The Troubles. But a film about a disruptive Irish rap group? Pretty much unheard of. That is, until Kneecap. The debut film from Rich Peppiatt, this is a refreshing real-life story that comes out of the blue and hits you like a kick to the, well, kneecap.

While an explosive opening sequence gives a quick run-through of The Troubles, the film is more interested in the screw-up 'ceasefire babies' forced to deal with the aftermath in Belfast. Set in the present day, we join Naoise and Liam Óg, two troublesome youths who spend their days slinging drugs and writing raps in their native Irish. But when they cross paths with unassuming school teacher DJ, he encourages them to write songs to preserve the endangered Irish language. Out of his garage they form bracing rap trio 'Kneecap', or what one disapproving copper calls 'The Beatles, if they were shite'.

You might not know what to expect from this spirited, surprising film, but that's part of the charm. In many ways that starts with the casting - written with help from the rap trio, Peppiatt makes the bold choice to have them play themselves. and it's one that pays off massively - these guys are an instantly likeable bunch. While Naoise and Liam Óg impress as the wild and obtuse teenagers, JJ is the standout as 'DJ Próvai', who hilariously wears a balaclava to remain anonymous with his students. They are supported by strong performances from Michael Fassbender as Naoise's maybe-dead father, an iconic IRA figure, and Simone Kirby as the long-suffering wife he left behind.

As Kneecap's confrontational lyrics see them soar in popularity and gain unwanted attention from the police (and some disgruntled ex IRA members), the film makes moving points about the importance of clinging onto your identity, and following your own calling in spite of tradition. Sure enough, Peppiatt's film has identity and style to spare, with a frenetic energy and unrelenting comedy to match the considerable level of drugs the trio take and dish out on stage.

While the chaotic energy and drug taking recalls Trainspotting, Kneecap has a sense of imagination entirely of its own making. Sumptuously shot by cinematographer Ryan Kernaghan, words frequently pop out on screen, there are trippy drug-fuelled performances galore, and there's even a hilarious dip into stop-motion. It's a film that rarely stops to take a breath until the end, by which time you'll already be Googling the group's catchiest songs.

One of the most delightful surprises of the year, Kneecap is a breath of fresh air, with abrasive comedy, charming performances and punchy tunes that'll have you you nodding your head long after the credits roll.

★★★★

#kneecap #4 stars #michael fassbender #review #dj provai #belfast #hunger #ryan kernaghan