Kneecap (2024): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
Kneecap is a 2024 comedy drama directed by Rich Peppiatt, starring Michael Fassbender as Arló Ó Cairealláin, Mo Chara and Simone Kirby. It runs 1 hour 45 minutes and earned $4.9 million worldwide. It won 3 awards from 20 nominations, including Best Director at the IFTA Awards 2025. Critics gave it 76 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 45m (105 min)
- Director
- Rich Peppiatt
- Original language
-
Irish
- Studio
- British Film Institute (BFI)
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Kneecap About?
The premise of Kneecap without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
Based in Northern Ireland, Kneecap is a hip-hop group that unexpectedly ignites a cultural movement. The trio champions the preservation of the Irish language through their music, becoming central figures in a civil rights movement. Their passionate performances challenge linguistic erasure and celebrate Irish identity.
Kneecap Themes & Keywords
· 38 tags- ireland
- sex scene
- gaeilge
- irish language
- male rear nudity
- bare chested male
- low life scum
- irish
- female nudity
- female topless nudity
- dark comedy
- rappers
+26 more Show fewer
- belfast
- speaking gaelic
- bare chested teenage boy
- schoolteacher
- teacher
- hip hop
- native language
- civil rights movement
- kneecap
- drugs
- gaelic
- female rear nudity
- woman on top sex
- male nudity
- belfast northern ireland
- northern ireland
- bouncing breasts
- nipple pierced
- nipple piercing
- europe
- teenage sexuality
- teenage sex
- police
- paramilitary
- politician
- docudrama drama
Kneecap Cast & Characters
Michael Fassbender leads the cast as Arló Ó Cairealláin, with Mo Chara as Mo Chara Or Liam Óg and Simone Kirby as Dolores. Directed by Rich Peppiatt; 20 actors are credited in all.
- Director Rich Peppiatt
-
Michael Fassbender as Arló Ó Cairealláin - Mo Chara as Mo Chara Or Liam Óg
-
Simone Kirby as Dolores -
Josie Walker as Detective Ellis
Also Starring in Kneecap
· 16 more- Jessica Reynolds Georgia
- Fionnuala Flaherty Caitlin
- Lalor Roddy Priest
- Gerry Adams Gerry Adams
- Matthew Sharpe Sean
- Niall Cusack Headteacher
- Móglaí Bap Móglaí Bap Or Naoise
- Adam Best Doyle
- Donagh Deeney Uncle Peadar
- Marty Maguire Nesbitt
- Cathal Mercer Fra
- DJ Próvai Dj Próvai Or JJ
- Saorlaoith Brady Lorna
- Aidan McCaughey Wee Naoise
- Cillian Kernan Wee Liam Óg
- Karl O'Neill Male Doctor
More from Rich Peppiatt
One more film directed by Rich Peppiatt: Grounded.
Kneecap Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Kneecap 76 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 89/100, strongest in sensory experience (90) and weakest in story & flow (83).
Kneecap Echo Score Breakdown
Overall, Kneecap excels as a vibrant music biopic that transcends genre expectations with robust direction and dynamic musical sequences. Critics and audiences particularly applaud its inventive integration of rap performances with thoughtful reflections on cultural identity, while its pacing keeps viewers engaged despite occasional formulaic dramatic turns. The leading trio’s energetic performances forge authentic emotional resonance, and the film’s visual style complements its anarchic humor and political subtext. In sum, Kneecap delivers a compelling blend of entertainment and depth, securing its place as a refreshingly original cinematic experience.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 85
In terms of production design and editing, Kneecap exhibits lively visual inventiveness. Reviews highlight playful onscreen graphics and dynamic editing that align seamlessly with the narrative’s energy. Direction injects a fresh perspective, especially in musical sequences, though non-musical scenes occasionally revert to familiar stylistic tropes. Overall, the film’s cohesive visual approach underpins its thematic ambition and enhances its narrative fluidity.
- Character & Emotion 88
When it comes to acting and emotional resonance, Kneecap benefits from the authentic performances of its leading trio. Observers note that the musicians carry the film with genuine charisma, creating a strong sense of empathy and grounding the narrative. Supporting performances also contribute nuance, avoiding caricature despite the film’s comedic tone. The ensemble’s chemistry solidifies the emotional core and sustains audience engagement.
- Story & Flow 83
In terms of plot and pacing, Kneecap delivers an energetic narrative with engaging musical set pieces and incisive commentary on identity. Reviewers praise its originality and momentum, noting that the story maintains a compelling forward drive. However, some find occasional lapses into predictable dramatic beats and a sense of repetition in the film’s latter half. Ultimately, the narrative balance of humor and politics sustains its overall engagement.
- Sensory Experience 90
When considering soundtrack and visual style, Kneecap excels in crafting a visceral sensory experience. Critics frequently commend the raw energy of its hip-hop sequences, highlighting sound design that amplifies the film’s anarchic tone. The visual palette and rhythmic editing further reinforce the musical core, creating a cohesive audiovisual identity. This vibrant sensory framework underscores the film’s thematic interplay of music and sociopolitical commentary.
- Rewatch Factor 85
In terms of replay value and lasting appeal, Kneecap offers a highly rewatchable blend of humor and musical dynamism. Viewers report that its sharp pacing and layered cultural insights encourage multiple viewings. The film’s energetic performances and thematic depth continue to reveal new nuances upon revisiting. Overall, its enduring balance of comedic verve and substantive commentary sustains interest beyond an initial engagement.
-
IMDb 7.6 /10
25210 votes
See on IMDb -
Metacritic 76 Metascore
User score 7.5
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 73% User score
See on TMDB
Kneecap Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Kneecap from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In this compelling cinematic narrative, three main characters take on their own identities, embodying fictionalized versions of themselves. The story unfolds with Liam Óg “Mo Chara” Ó Hannaidh as he recounts the significant moment of his best friend, Naoishe “Móglai Bap” Ó Cairealláin’s birth. This crucial event is marked by Naoishe’s mother, Dolores, portrayed by Simone Kirby, who hurriedly takes him to meet his father, Arlo, played by Michael Fassbender, amidst a sacred ceremony. However, their joyous occasion is abruptly disrupted when authorities arrive, implicating Arlo in IRA activities. In the aftermath, Dolores withdraws from the world, confining herself to her home.
Full summary
The whole story of Kneecap, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Kneecap Box Office
Kneecap grossed $4.9 million worldwide. $1.1 million came from the US and Canada and $3.8 million (77%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$4.9M
- US & Canada
- $1.1M
- International
- $3.8M
Kneecap Awards & Nominations
Kneecap won 3 awards from 20 nominations, including Best Director at the IFTA Awards 2025.
3 wins20 nominations5 ceremonies
-
IFTA Awards 2025 1 win · 6 nominations- Won Best Director – Rich Peppiatt
- Nominated Best Film
- Nominated Best Lead Actor
- Nominated Best Script – Rich Peppiatt
- Nominated Best Supporting Actor – Michael Fassbender
-
NAACP Image Awards 2025 1 win · 6 nominations- Won Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer – Rich Peppiatt
- Nominated Best Casting
- Nominated Best Editing
- Nominated Best Film Not in the English Language – Rich Peppiatt
- Nominated Best Original Screenplay
-
BAFTA 2025 1 win · 6 nominations- Won Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer – Rich Peppiatt
- Nominated Best Casting
- Nominated Best Editing
- Nominated Best Film Not in the English Language
- Nominated Best Original Screenplay
-
Critics' Choice 2025 1 nomination- Nominated Best Foreign Language Film
Show all 5 ceremonies Show fewer ceremonies
-
Artios Awards 2025 1 nomination- Nominated International Film
Kneecap Trailers & Videos
27 videos: 2 trailers, 10 teasers, 3 clips and 12 featurettes.
- Trailer Official US Trailer
- Teaser Michael Fassbender honors his Irish roots alongside the band KNEECAP
- Teaser Official Red Band Trailer
- Teaser Trailer Cutdown
How Well Do You Know Kneecap?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is the closest companion of Liam Óg?
Cars in Kneecap
14 cars on screen, including the 2004 Peugeot 407 and the 2003 Suzuki Ignis.
-
2004 Peugeot 407 Important role -
2003 Suzuki Ignis Important role -
2010 Vauxhall Astra MkVI Important role -
BMW 5 E60 Minor role
Kneecap Also Known As
9 alternative titles, including “니캡” and “嘻蓋骨男孩”.
- Also known as
-
- 니캡
- 嘻蓋骨男孩
- Никап
- Kneecap. Hip-hopowa rewolucja
- 膝盖骨乐队
- Kelio girnelė
- Kneecap: Música e Liberdade
- ניקאפ
- НІКАП
Seen Kneecap?
Movies Like Kneecap
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Irish Jam, The Last of the High Kings and Cherrybomb.
Kneecap FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Kneecap, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Kneecap?
Kneecap runs 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes).
When was Kneecap released?
Kneecap was released on August 2, 2024.
Who directed Kneecap?
Kneecap was directed by Rich Peppiatt.
More films by Rich Peppiatt Who is in the cast of Kneecap?
Kneecap stars Michael Fassbender as Arló Ó Cairealláin, Mo Chara as Mo Chara Or Liam Óg and Simone Kirby as Dolores, among 20 credited actors.
How much did Kneecap make at the box office?
Kneecap grossed $4.9 million worldwide ($1.1 million domestic, $3.8 million international).
How is Kneecap rated?
Kneecap has 7.6/10 on IMDb, 76 on Metacritic and 73% on TMDB.
What awards did Kneecap win?
Kneecap won 3 awards from 20 nominations, including Best Director at the IFTA Awards 2025.
Does Kneecap have a post-credit scene?
No. Kneecap has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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