Kneecap

In cinemas now

I first came across Kneecap, the Belfast-based hip-hop trio, when my ‘Discover Weekly’ Spotify playlist served up their infectious track H.O.O.D and was immediately enamoured by their distinctive DIY sound, which sees them rap in both the English and Irish language. This stellar biopic sees the band tell their own audacious origin story, with all three members performing as themselves and pulling no punches when explaining the motives behind their music.

While first-time director Rich Peppiatt imbues his feature debut with a comedic air, Kneecap is as much about cultural preservation and the importance of language as it is getting loaded. In that sense, it is arguably one of the most remarkable films of 2024, one that is every bit as educational as it is entertaining and will certainly contribute to the group’s already meteoric rise. 

While Kneecap have the look of empty-headed scallies, the content of their music and this biopic prove them to be admirable, socially conscious patriots that are unafraid to use contemporary mediums to support age-old causes. With that in mind, one might paradoxically view them as advocates for cultural preservation and evolution, a distinction that ensures they stand apart from many of today’s other emerging acts.    

Additionally, with talents such as Michael Fassbender and Simone Kirby on supporting duties, Kneecap is the latest contribution to the rich (and often underappreciated) tapestry that is Irish cinema which, when done well, always leaves audiences with a deeper understanding of the country’s complex history and traditions.