Jay Rohr
Kneecap is a visceral hip hop adventure only the Irish could conjure. What could have been a run of the mill musicians’ rise to fame is instead an energetic experience full of layers and mirth. Music hasn’t seemed this rebellious in ages, thanks in no small part to the movie’s elaboration on British oppression. Kneecap is a reminder of how important cultural expression is and how art can unite as well as empower people.
The film acts as an origin story for the hip hop trio Kneecap. As such, Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh play fictionalized versions of their stage personas Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí. Things kick off when Liam is arrested while selling drugs at a party. His refusal to speak English forces the police to call in an interpreter. Enter music teacher JJ Ó Dochartaigh, who quickly sees potential in a notebook he hides from detectives. Returning it to Liam, the three soon connect, unleashing a rebellious rap message that angers all the right people.
Throughout Kneecap several threads weave a surprisingly intricate tapestry. The formulaic pitfalls of street hoods turning their lives into lyrical art are dodged by intelligent observations about modern Ireland. This is a story of the ceasefire generation, born after the infamous Troubles, and how they’ve come to live with the trauma passed down by their parents. British oppression lingers in myriad forms, not least of which are language restrictions which vilify any use of Irish. In addition, paramilitary pretenders taking a page from the IRA bully the locals.
All this then complicates the various relationships throughout the film. Families are tortured by political ideologies which no longer serve any purpose. Individuals desirous of change are frightened to seem too revolutionary. Meanwhile, singing a song might get Kneecap shot because it’s too honest a confession of their reality. And we haven’t even touched on the unhinged love story.
Although many of the themes are heavy, writer-director Rich Peppiatt knows when to steer into comical territory. This combines with a whimsical visual sense that includes occasional animations to highlight events. Cinematic stylization furthers the absurdism as Kneecap overindulge in drugs, alcohol, and reckless abandon. Yet, nothing is ever made to seem too cartoonish. Actions have negative consequences even if they are comical. Rather, this is a tale of escapism through excess resulting in a chemical-fueled swagger strutting towards fame.
That said, making music is never brushed off as something casually achieved. There’s a real sense of effort behind the songs. Kneecap never bang out hits in the blink of an eye. Nor does success land in their lap.
Peppiatt also has a sense of how to capture the city. More than once, epic graffiti murals are depicted in glorious shots overflowing with implications. There’s something about a portrait of Fredrick Douglas in Belfast that shows why young Irish men might find themselves drawn to a largely African American musical styling.
Unlike the tv series Dave, where culture vulture Lil Dicky uses rap without any regard for the history behind the artform, Kneecap makes time to acknowledge the music’s African American origins which connect it to revolutionary expression. Essentially, the characters feel inspired by hip hop pioneers who provided potent black power messages through their music, and as such, Kneecap wants to follow that lead in Ireland. The poetic potential of hip hop infused with the Irish language is then made abundantly clear. Thunderous anti-establishment songs like “C.E.A.R.T.A” and the nihilistic gangster declarations of “H.O.O.D.” provide rousing pulse pounding tunes.
Besides a fabulous soundtrack, this also pulls in a final theme of modernity versus heritage — the past versus the present. Those struggling to preserve the language consider the trio’s use of Irish corrupting. They don’t want the native tongue associated with the crass behaviors of the musicians. In other words, by the final act, no one is on their side.
Keeping this tale of underdogs flowing are surprisingly engaging performances by Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh. This is their first starring role as performers, but they slip easily onto the silver screen. One may argue playing themselves makes that simple enough but watching Naoise Ó Cairealláin remain pensive yet expressive alongside an award-winner like Michael Fassbender (Hunger) is impressive. Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh is wonderfully puckish as a fellow likely to text a lady LYKAH (leave your knickers at home). JJ Ó Dochartaigh is especially great as a disaffected music teacher trying to find a point in life. Moreover, the trio is consistently comedic.
Josie Walker (Belfast) provides the stern Detective Ellis with a frighteningly fierce demeanor yet hints of humanity that make her zealousness understandable. Simone Kirby (Jimmy’s Hall) offers an endearing display as Dolores Ó Cairealláin, a broken reclusive mother who can still be a fiery force when necessary. Finally, Jessica Reynolds as Georgia steals every scene as Liam’s outlandish love interest. Though this firecracker isn’t on screen enough, her presence is unforgettable.
Still, that’s one of the problems with Kneecap. The movie is so jam packed with politics, police, absurdity, and paramilitary pests there’s little time to give the women much voice. Yet, the performers in this film do a great deal with their limited appearances on screen.
The rest of the film is devoted to highly stylized concerts which capture the chaotic nature of live shows. Other plot points unfold with similar cinematic flair. First time director Rich Peppiatt may not reinvent the wheel, but he knows how to use all the old tricks effectively.
The result is a colorful, chaotic, and vibrant film that is gloriously unapologetic. Kneecap takes the truth and spins it into a web of observations that is as much accusation as catharsis. The electrifying soundtrack will thrill even those opposed to hip hop shows. Meanwhile, a wonderful absurdity runs alongside emotionally compelling moments. Uniquely uplifting as well as informative, Kneecap is a gem from the emerald isle.
