Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Kneecap’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvai as Liam, Naoise and JJ in Rich Peppiatt’s KNEECAP. (Photo Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Kneecap’.
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There are a great many things that people wish to achieve in this life. Some, want to be nothing more than amazing parents that will raise equally as amazing children that will make the world a better place. Some, hope to see their names in lights and take over the entertainment world with their immense talent. While others, wish to be the best chef they can be, or the absolute best salesman possible. Or… they outright want to be loved by someone special in their lives. Because our dreams and our hopes are diverse, but they all share in one particularly fascinating need. In that, we hope to matter in this life, and achieving goals in that vein help with that and well… what’s fascinating about our modern world is that such a feast is surprisingly no easy task.

Because it takes years to really build the right relationship or establish the impact we made upon our children. Not to mention, we have to go through hell to get our dreams going, and sometimes… we are stuck doing menial jobs until the time is right or we struggle to find our calling. All of which leaves us feeling listless and without purpose or meaning and we wonder deeply… how and when will we find it? Well, it just so happens that there is a brand-new film in theaters that answers that question for the dreamers of the world who feel they’re without purpose or don’t know where to begin to find it because life can be so confusing and so empty at times, and that makes Kneecap quite the important and inspiring film. 

For this movie, one based on a true story, introduces us to three dreamers in the heart of Ireland. There’s Liam and Naoise, childhood friends that have shared in some hard trauma through the years, thanks to sordid past of Arlo, Naoise’s father, and in adulthood they’re adrift and wonder what their purpose is in life other than getting by, and there’s JJ. A music teacher and champion for Ireland’s true dialect that has found stability in life but not the thrill of it yet. But one fateful night, where JJ is called in translate the Irish language for the police, who wish to speak with Liam about some possible crimes… unites this trio in a manner they never expected. For Liam’s diary has some incredible lyrics that JJ wants to produce into music and just like that, their band, Kneecap, is born and soon… this trio of lost souls find themselves surrounded by love and adoration, for their work resonates and matters.

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Which is… a subtle way to explore how we find our way when we think we are lost or haven’t found our calling. In that, we simply need to live and try new things without giving those endeavors a second thought. For overthinking kills but immersing ourselves in those endeavors that offer a thrill and/or begin to offer fulfillment… might take us down a path we never dreamed, and the story of how Kneecap came to be really drives that home. Since we watch this trio, go from listless and lifeless to finding energy and purpose in life, and music helps them to grow, and find agency and that really is an inspiring plotline to say the least. One that leaves your spirits soaring when the film has come to an end, and yet, it also has more to offer. 
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Because believe it or not, bubbling beneath the surface of the sick tracks that Kneecap lays down, is a powerful story about heritage and honoring our past and the past of others. Because there is a fascinating subplot in this story about how English influences wiped out a lot of the rich culture of the Irish people, and how those who try and hold to it, are looked down upon. Which brings about stunning commentary on the rights of indigenous people, and how we as a society cannot let traditions from other cultures completely die. So that future generations understand their heritage to a tee and honor it as they see fit, and that is a big reason why this band found success and why their message and music resonate with so many. Since their lyrics honor those that came before.

All of which brings forth, a supremely thoughtful and inspiring motion picture, that is also quite relatable. Since we’ve been in the shoes of this trio and found ourselves wondering what comes next, and it is a feature that also features something for everyone. Since it also harbors funny moments that never let the message overwhelm and it really does speak to some powerful concepts that we can all take something away from, and this all comes together courtesy of some powerful and shockingly honest performances, since Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvai reprise themselves to retell their own story, and they’re joined by Michael Fassbender (Arlo), who adds incredible gravitas to a story that everyone should see. To be educated on the importance of honoring the past and to be reminded to take risks and roll with the punches, since you never know where they will take you.

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