Review – Kneecap is More Than Just Rap or A Fucking Movie
Revolution isn’t always a physical act. In fact, some of the most effective revolutions have used a voice expressed through impassioned speech, protests, film, and of course, music. Music is not just the voice of the people; it’s a rallying cry that can spread like wildfire through the eardrums of those within striking distance. No group understands that better than Kneecap, the rap trio out of Belfast who simply don’t give a fuck. Comprised of Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh), Móglai Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin), and DJ Provai (JJ Ó Dochartaigh), they are unapologetically vocal about their beliefs, and it’s endearing. These aren’t some impressionable kids who grew up ignorant of societal issues. The remnants of the Troubles still linger, even if faintly. This generation is more about questioning everything, less about passive head nodding.
But this is about a movie—a film that took what could have been a mediocre genre piece and had fun with it. It’s not fully The Dirt or even 8 Mile, though. There’s a hint of surrealism throughout (including claymation), but there’s also a heartfelt core. The plot, which follows the formation of the group, is centered around the debate over recognition of the Irish language (spoken by nearly 200k people) and the lingering divisions in Northern Ireland. It’s a solid overarching plot that you’re happy to see resolve.
To dive into Kneecap’s origin, the story first introduces us to Arlo (Michael Fassbender), Naoise’s father, who eventually fakes his own death. A clandestine baptism sets the stage for a walk-through of a proud Republican household, highlighting Naoise and Liam’s friendship and admiration for Arlo. Fassbender is stellar, as always, and his dedication to film, regardless of scale, is evident here. The boys’ friendship leads to a lot of partying, drugs, and general fuckery. After one of these nights ends with Liam getting arrested and Naoise fleeing home (while tripping), they meet a teacher who doubles as a translator, JJ. JJ, translating for the stubborn Liam, swipes his lyric notebook and helps him avoid jail time.
This triggers a chain of events that delves into past and present politics, self-doubt, and a sort of salvation. JJ has to juggle two worlds and figure out what really matters. Naoise needs to get his life together and step out from his father’s shadow. Liam must confront his on-again, off-again relationship with Georgia (Jessica Reynolds), whose Loyalist ideals clash with her domineering aunt, Detective Ellis (Josie Walker)—an antagonist who feels realistic, if occasionally a bit cartoonish. There’s a lot packed into a tight 105 minutes, but it delivers on every front. We witness the growth of the trio, while feeling the real tension of a conflict that may never be resolved in this lifetime. A lot of this is thanks to the direction. Rich Peppiatt truly understood the assignment, letting us breeze through certain sequences (which is fun) while also slowing down to let moments settle and burrow. After speaking with him at Tribeca, it was clear how he earned the group’s trust while still asserting his own vision. Many scenes that could have felt generic in the hands of a less passionate director are anything but here.
Watching the band play themselves was refreshing. They took intensive acting classes, bringing an honesty to the story that was essential. The activism they portray resonates in a world too often blind to the atrocities occurring within it. They skipped SXSW when they found out it was funded by the U.S. Army, and they’re outspoken in their support for Palestine. They frequently raise funds for the ACLAÍ Project and the Lajee Center in Aida. And, as it turns out, they can put together a damn good movie. These are the kinds of IPs we should be focusing on. It’s no surprise that Ireland selected the film as its official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 2025 Oscars. Come for the band, and stay for the story—or however that saying goes.
Kneecap is in theaters 8/2
Stream Kneecap’s Fine Art here
Find out about the AICLA Project here
Learn about the Lajee Center here
