At first, “Kneecap” appears to be a film about hip-hop, drugs and trance visuals, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. The film, directed by Rich Peppiatt, is a fictional biopic of the Irish hip-hop trio named Kneecap. Released in 2024, the comedy-drama charts the meteoric rise of the Belfast-based band, with real-life members Naoise Ó Cairealláin, Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh and JJ Ó Dochartaigh playing themselves. But beneath its vibrant surface, the film delivers a bold and thought-provoking narrative and is a wake-up call for the protection and preservation of indigenous languages.

The film begins with a chance meeting between JJ, a school teacher from Belfast, and two driven young men, Naoise and Liam Óg, who share a passion for hip-hop and the Irish language. Together, they create a revolutionary musical group that fuses traditional Irish culture with modern hip-hop rhythms. However, during their rise to fame, they face multiple struggles, going through personal struggles and societal pressures.
Although “Kneecap” is filled with funny moments, heartfelt emotions, and stunning trance visuals, it also delivers a profound message. The film takes a courageous stance on politics, freedom and the fight against oppression, celebrating revolutionary solidarity and the spirit of liberation. The film is crafted with exceptional aesthetic precision, never losing sight of the story it is trying to tell. The trio’s most atrocious and irreverent antics entertain audiences, sparking laugh riots while delivering a powerful message.
If “Kneecap” could be summed up in three words, it would be “freedom,” “explosive,” and “fearless.” The third and final screening of Kneecap will take place at Tagore Theatre, Vazhuthacaud, on December 18 at 9:00 am.