The Wasteland Reviewer

Kneecap (2024) Written Review

How do you start a revolution? History has shown that violence has sparked plenty of them. But you can also start a revolution through words. Many leaders have delivered the right types of speeches at the right time to inspire their people to stand up and deliver. There are movements for social justice issues that have been sparked by the words of influence people. But music can be traced back to being one of the most influential and impactful of all art forms. The lyrics of a song can tell a story or send a message to all of us. Even a pair of young men and a teacher can team up and create music in their native tongue to change everything. 

What is the significance of the story told in writer/director Rich Peppiatt’s Kneecap? This music biopic tells the tale of the three individuals mentioned above and how they came together to create rap music in native Irish language. Why is that so significant? This was a banned language in North Ireland thanks to British rule. This film is a brash and high energy affair that feels like a giant middle finger to colonialism and authoritarian regimes that were forced upon the Northern Irish. The music being in this language was revolutionary enough, but the lyrics were even more powerful and impactful. The real life Moglai Bap, Mo Chara, and DJ Provai portray themselves in this film and the authenticity is so impressive. This does not feel like a Hollywood movie trying to capture the spirit of the Irish. Kneecap is told by those who did it and those trusted enough to bring this story to life. That is the importance and weight that elevates this story. 

Does Peppiatt capture the right atmosphere to do right by the spirit of the story? This film boasts more personality and cinematic voice than multiple films combined. From the opening scene that shows the dawn of our protagonists, and the stage is set for this revolution, you can feel the energy, attitude, and fire that fills our leads as well as Peppiatt. There is slow motion, vibrant lighting, fast-paced and aggressive editing, and so many more creative decisions that makes this such a visceral and thriving experience. The pacing is fantastic as this film can balance the stories of our main three characters with subplots centered around romance, parentage, drugs, legislation, and colonialism. There are so many elements that Peppiatt navigates in his film and honestly nails most of them. The story can feel a little overstuffed at times, but it never takes away from the overall impact of the story. 

What is the strongest hidden weapon of Kneecap? The actual members of the group who star in the film. The level of authenticity is unmatched thanks to having the real people starring in the film. This is not a risk that is always worth taking. Just look at Clint Eastwood’s 15:17 to Paris. But for Peppiatt and the company, it works out amazingly. Their energy and drive to be honest to themselves feels so real on screen. You never suspect that these are not trained actors who have been doing this for a long time. The trio sure get some help as well who deliver impactful and meaningful performances as well. The best is seeing Michael Fassbender back in a film as well as seeing him kill it on screen. His performance is so impressive for the minimal time on screen that he must work with it. He is the veteran presence and the guiding light. Simone Kirby does the same in her maternal role as well. 

What speaks the strongest in Peppiatt’s film? The music. If the scenes centered around the works of Kneecap, then what would have been the point? The music speaks for itself. The performances in the film are electric and intense. The film needs to make the audience believe that this music truly led to something seismic, and the way Peppiatt can create it makes that feeling so believable. The music, the lyrics, the fire, the profanity…it is all there and in droves and buckets full. Kneecap is one of the most impressive and memorable films of 2024 so far. Most music biopics cannot touch this high energy, attitude filled, and authentic cinematic experience.