Some films are built for entertainment; others feel like a cultural rallying cry. The Irish biopic KNEECAP, directed by Rich Peppiatt, unapologetically straddles both. With its electric, gritty, and often hilarious story, the movie chronicles the rise of the real-life Irish-language rap group KNEECAP. While weaving a tale of rebellion, camaraderie, and cultural identity, it’s a film that feels as much like a celebration as it does a protest—undeniably Irish, fiercely original, and utterly unforgettable.
Middle Fingers Held High
At its heart, KNEECAP is a love letter to Gaeilge – the Irish language. Even more, it highlights the identity power language can hold. The Irish language is not just simply used – it pulses through every beat, every rhyme, and every confrontation, as the movie is set against the struggle for the recognition of the Irish language in Northern Ireland.
The core conflict of KNEECAP is deeply rooted in the scars of Ireland’s tumultuous history, particularly the enduring legacy of colonialism and the cultural erasure imposed during the Troubles—a decades-long conflict fueled by sectarian tensions, British rule in Northern Ireland, and the fight for Irish self-determination.
This turbulent period left a profound impact on communities, where identity became a battleground, and language, culture, and even music were politicized. And right from the start, the two camps of the conflict in the movie are established: It’s the hedonistic escapades of KNEECAP versus the police, Irish versus English – freedom of expression versus systematic oppression.
While centering on three young men causing chaos in 2010s Belfast and featuring a subplot about a police fugitive (played by Irish top-of-the-crop actor Michael Fassbender), at points, the stakes are staggeringly high. Nonetheless, resolution in true KNEECAP fashion is always found: In Irish and with middle fingers always held up high. But the rebellion of KNEECAP isn’t just directed against authority; it’s a fight to preserve a fading cultural identity, curated with an energetic and modern spirit. In what could have been a straightforward coming-of-age story, KNEECAP instead offers a kinetic, multi-layered exploration of what it means to belong.
From graffiti-splattered alleyways to crowded pubs filled with defiant chants, KNEECAP roots itself firmly in the physical and emotional landscapes of Belfast. This is a city haunted by its past, and its scars are visible in every frame. Yet, the film finds beauty in defiance and humor in struggle, a dynamic mirrored in the rap trio’s lyrics and personalities.
A Cast That Breathes Belfast
Photo by Peadar Ó Goill
The chemistry between the trio is the film’s beating heart. Their natural rapport translates beautifully to the screen, blending raw charisma with moments of vulnerability. A feat that in my opinion cannot be under-praised, as real-life KNEECAP members Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara, and DJ Próvaí decided to portray themselves on screen.
Their escapades—whether they’re dodging police, navigating the often-fraught realities of Belfast, or performing their unapologetically Irish rap—are equal parts comedic and poignant. The script gives each character space to shine, offering glimpses into their internal struggles and their determination to forge a space for themselves in a world that often refuses to see them.
The Fine Art of Rebellion
Last year, KNEECAP already proved themselves as true story-tellers, with their 2024 debut studio album Fine Art. Similarly to the movie, they sat down to tell their story. Yet, the album resulted in a wonderfully insane and exaggerated trip through their origin. Joyous, tongue-in-cheek, and full of Irish pride, Fine Art was a herald of what was yet to come.
Photo by Peadar Ó Goill
The story of KNEECAP thrives in its contrasts. Where the album leaned heavily into surrealism and absurdity, the movie allows moments to breathe and process. Humor and heartbreak collide. Youthful recklessness meets profound cultural reflection. The soundtrack, unsurprisingly, plays a pivotal role. KNEECAP’s rap tracks are laced with biting social commentary and unapologetic pride in their Irish heritage, amplifying the movie’s energy and mission. Their music becomes not just a soundtrack but a manifesto.
Peppiatt’s direction leans into this anarchic spirit, with dynamic visuals and editing that reflect the chaotic brilliance of the trio’s world. Yet, amidst the frenetic pace, there are quieter moments—scenes that linger on Belfast’s beauty, on the bond between friends, and on the weight of cultural erasure.
A Call to Action
What makes KNEECAP truly remarkable is its ability to speak to universal themes through an intensely local lens. It’s a film about Ireland, yes, but it’s also about the power of language, the resilience of youth, and the enduring fight for cultural preservation. Watching KNEECAP feels like being handed a Molotov cocktail of rage, joy, and pride—an invitation to disrupt the status quo and celebrate what makes us unique.
For fans of KNEECAP’s music, the film offers a deeper look into the trio’s ethos and origin. For everyone else, it’s an introduction not just to a band but to a movement. As the credits roll and the final beat reverberates, one thing is clear: KNEECAP is not just a film. It’s a rallying cry for identity, resistance, and the unyielding power of art.
You can watch KNEECAP in German theaters now. Follow KNEECAP on Instagram.