Kneecap

This is possibly one of my favourite films of 2024. I knew about KNEECAP thanks to Fontaines D.C., so I’ve been following them for quite a while. When they announced this film, for a moment I thought it’d be a sort of documentary. I never watched the trailer or read a synopsis, and I’m glad I never did. It’s a funny fictionalised biopic that perfectly captures their rebellious energy, sharp wit, and unwavering dedication to preserving not only their own native language, Irish, but also raising awareness about the importance of indigenous languages worldwide. KNEECAP’s fight to normalise Irish in modern culture feels deeply personal, yet universal, speaking to struggles faced by indigenous communities globally. (I’m from Mexico, and one of the saddest examples is Oaxaca, despite being a state with great linguistic diversity, its languages are gradually being displaced.) While its humour and chaotic energy can be the main focus, the deeper message about cultural survival and self-determination really sticks with you. It’s the kind of film that makes you laugh and keeps you entertained, but it also leaves you thinking about what’s lost when languages—and the histories they hold—start to disappear.