Irish hip-hop group Kneecap’s self-titled film is in cinemas as of August 23 and NME has called it “one of the best music biopics ever made”.
The film depicts the rise of the Belfast trio and their personal and political scrapes with authorities along the way, with the band playing themselves, alongside Michael Fassbender as Móglaí Bap’s father Arlo.
Speaking to NME about playing themselves in the film, the band’s DJ Próvaí said: “It needed to feel genuine. If it didn’t feel like something we would do, we just went, ‘No chance’.”
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January this year, making it the first Irish film to do so. It went on to clinch the NEXT Audience Award at the festival.
In a glowing five-star review of the film, NME wrote: “Just like their insane live shows and debut album ‘Fine Art’, it’s one hell of a laugh. However it’s also full of heart; telling a real working class story as a call for unity without punching down or patronising. Anyone who compares it to People Just Do Nothing or The Young Offenders can get in the bin.”
“Unapologetically ballsy and brave, Kneecap has no business being as good as it is – not only one of the standout films of 2024, but arguably one of the best music biopics of all time. So, with much thought and time to percolate, here’s your full analysis: Holy shit, fuck me, what a film.”
Comhghairdeas #Kneecap Congratulations!
IFTA has selected KNEECAP to represent Ireland in the 97th Oscars @TheAcademy International Feature category. An exciting journey ahead.
@KNEECAPCEOL @richpeppiatt @WildCardDistribIn Irish Cinemas August 8th pic.twitter.com/RypCZ7xwMh
— Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) (@IFTA) August 2, 2024
Ireland has now submitted the film as its entry into the Best International Feature category at the 2025 Oscars. “Well well…first time acting…c*nts are easily pleased,” was the band’s reaction to that news.
Kneecap will also be opening for Fontaines D.C. at a massive Finsbury Park concert on July 5, 2025, alongside Amyl & The Sniffers.
Kneecap are also featured on the cover of NME’s July/August 2024 magazine issue. Subscribe here for more information about the magazine and exclusive queue jump opportunities, where readers can get their hands on a copy before anyone else.
Kneecap movie tracklist: every song in order of when it’s played
As well as playing themselves in the film, Kneecap is naturally packed full of the group’s original songs too.
In addition to their own material, there are also select cuts from Orbital, Bicep and The Prodigy. See the full list below.
Orbital – ‘Belfast’
Kneecap – ‘C.E.A.R.T.A.’
Kneecap – ‘H.O.O.D.’
Kneecap – ‘Amach Anocht’
Kneecap – ‘Sick in the Head’
Kneecap – ‘Better Way To Live’ (ft. Grian Chatten)
Kneecap – ‘Guilty Conscience’
Kneecap – ‘Thart Agus Thart’
Kneecap – ‘Parful’
Bicep – ‘Glue’
The Prodigy – ‘Smack My Bitch Up’
Alanna Royale – ‘Fall In Love Again’
