There’s a brash, in-your-face cockiness that the new dark comedy and music-packed film Kneecap carries itself with. The law-breaking, drug-snorting antics from the Irish rap group at the center of the film—played by the real-life hip-hop trio “Kneecap” that the movie takes its name from—are downright anarchic.

Further, the film doesn’t even care at times if you literally understand what’s going on, as multiple rap numbers are delivered in their native Irish Gaelic language, requiring subtitles that the film sometimes, defiantly, does not provide. Despite this attitude, or perhaps because of it, Kneecap is a rebellious crowd-pleaser with a worthwhile message about preserving indigenous identity.

Rising From Belfast

The film fictionalizes the rise of the real-life Irish hip-hop group “Kneecap” in their proud hometown of Belfast. Naoise (Móglaí Bap) and Liam Óg (Mo Chara) are Northern Ireland hooligans who grow up selling club drugs and running from the cops. When Liam gets caught one night, a disillusioned music teacher, JJ (DJ Próvai), is tasked with translating Liam’s Irish Gaelic into English. We learn that Liam’s defiant use of his native Irish language was instilled in him by his father, a small-town crook now on the run (played by Michael Fassbender).

JJ realizes that Liam’s commitment to his mother tongue, along with his original, cocky lyrics, aligns with his own values and inspires him to record the band. The trio—Liam, Naoise, and JJ, now known as DJ Próvai—begin recording songs that defiantly speak out against the country’s harsh laws, drawing unwanted attention and catapulting them into the spotlight.

Beat-Driven Rebellion

Kneecap is anarchic, foul-mouthed, and ungovernable. And also, it’s entertaining as hell. It’s also more of a crowd-pleaser than I expected. Written by Rich Peppiatt along with Kneecap stars Móglaí Bap and Mo Chara, the film brings a unique story and style. Director Rich Peppiatt, in his first credited feature film after a Kneecap music video, injects electric energy and style, making for a visually captivating experience.

Director of Photography Ryan Kernaghan (Ted Lasso, Belfast) delivers sensational camerawork, with a full-on music-video approach, featuring hand-scribbled lyrics that bring the songs to life. Editors Chris Gill (American Animals) and Julian Ulrichs (Sing Street) create a kinetic, wild energy that the movie thrives on.

A Defiant, Musical Riot

And of course, the music is massive fun. Electronic club beats underscore Kneecap‘s in-your-face raps sensationally. Even if you can’t understand the lyrics (or find it hard to read the onscreen translations), you don’t necessarily need to, as the emotion and energy are what are most important.

Kneecap is a riotously fun movie that captures the spirit of rebellion and cultural pride. As Michael Fassbender’s wise, country-loving character says to the Kneecap lads, “Every word of Irish spoken is a bullet fired for Irish freedom,” a sentiment that resonates deeply throughout the film.