Kneecap: West Belfast meets West Hollywood

This has been my most anticipated film of the year. I am a big fan of Kneecap and their music so when I heard they were making a film I had to see it as soon as possible. It is a very bold choice to make a biopic about an unsigned group from Belfast that had not even put out their first album. However, that is exactly what makes this film so good, it is bold and unapologetic, it has something to say, and it is going to make you pay attention.

Kneecap is the semi-fictionalised story of Mo Chara (Liam Óg), Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) and DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh). The film follows the three as they navigate the foundations of the rap group and potential adversities from law enforcement, schools and the Radical Republicans Against Drugs. If there is one genre of movie I hate, it’s a musician biopic; it might be the most trope heavy genre going. Thankfully this film manages to avoid these cliches. It ties this story together with an underlying message on identity and the protection of the Irish language in the north. I really enjoyed this being set against the backdrop of the campaign for protection of the Irish Language in 2022. This underlying theme ties the individual character subplots together and gives a stronger overall message. The film focuses on the band and their potential t reinvigorate engagement in the language and this is an interesting concept. It stops the film ever losing focus or becoming gimmicky, everything ties back to language and identity. I do not want to spoil too much of the plot because it has to be seen to be believed but I can guarantee it is well worth a watch.

Technically, this film delivers. You can tell the boys care about the art they make, whether that be their music or this film, it is obvious they have put proper thought and care into this. It is reflected in all aspects of this venture, you would not be able to tell this is all their first times acting, particularly JJ Ó Dochartaigh. The film is shot in an interesting and dynamic way that reflects the energetic nature of the band. The little scribbles on the screen mimic the lyric writing and doodling in the song book that kick starts the story, the editing is fast paced and the visuals consistently entertaining; a special mention must go to the stop motion scene. This is not just a run of the mill cash grab; a lot of effort has gone into this project, and it reflects in the viewing experience. The film shines during any musical scene. When the group get together to create a tune, there is an electricity in the atmosphere, its genuinely exciting and that feeling seeps through the screen into the audience. Naoise and Liam have such a natural stage presence it is so apparent and believable how they built up such a strong following through their performances.

This film is wickedly funny. It pulls no punches and truly reflects the humour of the culture it comes from. Mo Chara’s subplot with Georgia is a poignant commentary on not alienating the other half of the population and fostering cross community relations but is done in such a funny way. Any scene with those two seems to try and outdo the last with the jokes; the Brighton Hotel line had me dying with laughter. The boys have such natural comedic ability and this film milks it for all its worth to great success. A personal favourite scene of mine is the Orange Order chase scene, it is just a perfect comedic set piece.

I think with the controversy surrounding Kneecap people might write this off as a drug riddled, sectarian hate piece. That could not be further from the truth. This is a film that aims to preserve Irish identity and culture in a part of the country where it is confusing and sometimes difficult to do so. This is about giving a community a voice and something to identify with, modernising and preserving their language, rather than tearing down anyone else’s. It is a beautiful message that deserves to be heard.

As someone who spent most of his childhood holidays in Belfast, visiting family and enjoying the city, I could not be prouder that this film exists. I think it does a wonderful job of highlighting the talent and culture that exists in Belfast. I think the city gets an unfair reputation based on the past, but it such a great place full of amazing people. I have had a complicated time coming to terms with my identity and how my Irishness fits into that, and I can categorically say that Kneecap and their expression of their identity has given me a huge boost in finding a connection with my own. They provide a voice for young Irish people that may not feel a connection to the language, particularly in the North. I think this film is a crowning moment in their rise to popularity and I cannot wait for further ventures from them whatever it may be. Art is a powerful tool in the expression and protection of cultures, and I encourage everyone to go and watch this film!