Kneecap 2024

In this cinematic tale, three principal characters take on their own names, donning the personas of fictionalized versions of themselves. The narrative begins with Liam Óg “Mo Chara” Ó Hannaidh recounting the story of his closest companion, Naoishe “Móglai Bap” Ó Cairealláin’s birth. This pivotal moment was marked by Naoishe’s mother, Dolores (Simone Kirby), whisking him away to meet his father, Arlo (Michael Fassbender), in the midst of a sacred ritual. However, their joyous celebration was abruptly interrupted when authorities descended upon them due to Arlo’s alleged IRA ties. In the aftermath, Dolores became reclusive, refusing to leave her home.

As these characters matured, Liam and Naoishe found themselves entangled in the world of drug peddling. Meanwhile, Arlo had vanished ten years prior, faking his own demise to avoid capture. Yet, despite his father’s abandonment, Naoishe harbored a deep sense of Irish pride, tempered by lingering anger towards Arlo for deserting him. This complex emotional landscape was further complicated when, during a raucous party, law enforcement descended upon the scene, netting Liam and forcing Naoishe to flee.

In a later turn of events, Liam found himself at a police station, where he was subjected to verbal abuse by authorities who demanded he abandon his native Irish language in favor of English. Detective Ellis (Fiona Walker) intervened, bringing in JJ Ó Dochartaigh, a teacher tasked with deciphering Liam’s cryptic notebook. As JJ delved into the lyrics, he discovered not only rap verses penned in Irish but also acid tabs. With Liam’s consent, JJ seized the notebook and spirited it away, later using its contents as inspiration for his own musical endeavors.

As Liam grappled with his experiences involving women, a recurring theme emerged: his tendency to utter “Tiocfaidh ár lá!” (“Our day will come!”) before reaching climax. This enigmatic phrase would prove to be a source of both fascination and frustration for the individuals he encountered. Georgia (Jessica Reynolds), an Irish woman with whom Liam shared a romantic connection, was uniquely enthralled by his declaration.

JJ later stumbled upon Liam and Naoishe at an arcade, where they were presented with the opportunity to craft music in the Irish language. Initially hesitant, the trio eventually warmed up to the idea, and their creative process became intertwined with JJ’s beats and the boys’ rhymes. Under the moniker “Kneecap,” inspired by the notorious torture method used during Ireland’s tumultuous past, they began crafting their first major musical track.

As Kneecap’s popularity surges, the trio secures a gig at a local pub, where an observant bartender captures their performance on her phone. The buzz around their music spreads quickly, and JJ is thrilled to overhear his students reciting their lyrics. However, he struggles to keep this newfound passion separate from his relationship with Caitlin (Fionnuala Flaherty), a passionate advocate for the Irish Language Act, which would officially recognize the indigenous language of Northern Ireland. JJ’s concerns are twofold: not only does he fear losing his job due to Kneecap’s provocative lyrics, but also the trio’s risqué and political nature may clash with Caitlin’s values.

Meanwhile, Detective Ellis pays separate visits to JJ and Dolores, warning them about the potential dangers their music poses. As Kneecap’s popularity grows, so does their notoriety. JJ begins to wear a balaclava and adopts the moniker “DJ Próvaí” to maintain his anonymity. The trio’s pre-show ritual of ketamine-fueled revelry precedes a frenzied performance that leaves their audience entranced and eager for more. In the midst of this chaos, Liam and Naoishe inadvertently catch the attention of the Radical Republicans Against Drugs (RRAD), who take umbrage with Kneecap’s presence in their territory.

Tensions escalate when Georgia attends one of their shows, only to be appalled by JJ’s mooning the audience and his posterior’s provocative message. This indignity prompts her to share a passionate kiss with another man, leaving Liam reeling. Their argument culminates in Georgia’s declaration that she never wants to see him again.

As Kneecap’s star continues to rise, they’re approached by a representative from RnaG radio station, who requests a track for airplay. The trio returns to JJ’s garage, only to discover it has been reduced to ashes. With limited options, they sneak into the school and record new music under the cover of night.

Detective Ellis’s personal life takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon her niece Georgia (her niece) engaging in a compromising position with Liam. The discovery leaves Liam mortified, and he beats a hasty retreat. Later, the RRAD goons track down Liam and Naoishe, demanding their cut of the drug money they’ve earned through Kneecap’s performances.

As the anticipation builds, JJ (DJ Próvaí) and his friends anxiously tune in to the radio, only to be met with a jarring surprise: their own track has been replaced by a rival song, its lyrics replete with explicit themes. Dolores’s protests spark a chain reaction among the neighborhood mothers, who flood the airwaves with complaints, ultimately forcing the station to give Kneecap’s music the spotlight it deserves. However, this sudden surge in popularity comes at a cost: JJ’s secret identity as DJ Próvaí is no longer private, and he’s subsequently let go by the school board, while Caitlin (Caitlin) calls time on their relationship.

Despite the turmoil, JJ chooses to remain committed to Kneecap, and the group’s momentum only grows. A major gig beckons, and as they take the stage, the crowd is entranced by their performance. Naoishe is shocked to spot Arlo in attendance, his presence a harbinger of chaos. During their next song, the boys play a recording of RRAD leader Ellis (Ellis) threatening them, and her goons are in the crowd. A gunshot rings out, sending the audience into a panic as everyone flees. Amidst the mayhem, Liam is taken down by Ellis, who reveals herself to be a force to be reckoned with.

As the dust settles, Naoishe finds himself face-to-face with RRAD goons, poised to strike. But just as all hope seems lost, Arlo emerges from the shadows, his eyes locked onto his son. In a stunning turn of events, Arlo commandeers Ellis’s gun and forces her henchmen to crawl away, expressing pride in Naoishe’s music before allowing him to leave.

As Liam narrates the aftermath, we see Kneecap embracing their Irish heritage. Caitlin remains steadfast in her activism, while Georgia is honing her skills in the Irish language. Dolores finally finds freedom outside her home, her voice soaring through the local pub. Kneecap’s music reaches new heights of popularity.

The credits roll with a poignant reminder: indigenous languages are disappearing worldwide, a sobering truth underscored by the passage of the Irish Language Act in 2022. As “H.O.O.D.” plays, we’re treated to a visual montage of Kneecap’s journey over the years, culminating in a heartwarming image of Liam and Naoishe as young boys.