KNEECAP
Starring Naoise Ó Cairealláin (Móglaí Bap), Liam Óg Hannaidh (Mo Chara), JJ Ó Dochartaigh (DJ Próvaí), Michael Fassbender, Fionnuala Flaherty, Simone Kirby, Josie Walker, Adam Best, and Jessica Reynolds
Director: Rich Peppiatt
KATIE
Kneecap is one of the most exciting films I’ve seen in ages. Naoise Ó Cairealláin and Liam Óg Hannaidh, stage names Móglaí Bap and Mo Chara, respectively, play themselves in a fictionalised biopic that charts their recruitment of DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh) and their sensational rise to success. It’s unbelievable that the trio has never acted before, and they drive the relentlessly energetic vibe. It’s also impressively innovative, with its hand-drawn visuals, frenetic editing, and inspired use of claymation to portray the effects of a ketamine trip. Presenting a deeply thought-provoking yet sharply funny exploration of Irish language and identity, Kneecap is a must-see.
AMARÚ
Kneecap has an upstart comedic feel similar to Shaun of the Dead, and an underlying-yet-in-your-face political fervor that will have you hyped beyond measure. Even more impressive is the powerful music and performances from the title group (Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara, and DJ Próvaí), given that they aren’t professional actors and their songs are mostly in an endangered language (Irish). Yes, they’re playing themselves, but it’s never a guarantee one can recreate a past emotional experience and have it still translate so wonderfully in the present. But hearing their music, you can understand why this movie hits so hard.
QUENTIN
Kneecap has a crackling energy, killer music, stylish directorial flourishes, and solid performances, especially considering the three leads are first time actors (even if they are playing themselves), but I struggled to become invested in the story. Maybe my lack of knowledge about the situation surrounding the Irish language in Northern Ireland caused me to miss important context, or that knowing it’s a heavily fictionalized “biopic” just took me out of it — hard to say — but this mashup of Trainspotting and Straight Outta Compton should have been right up my alley. Alas, it was not. Kneecap as a hip-hop group, though? I’m pressing play all day.
