Knuckle is a documentary film that explores the world of Irish Traveler bare-knuckle fighting, a brutal and secretive subculture that is seldom seen by outsiders. The film takes viewers on a 12-year journey into the lives of two feuding Traveler families, the Quinn McDonaghs and the Joyces, as they engage in a vicious cycle of retaliation and violence.
The film is told through footage shot by director Ian Palmer and his subjects, who provide a rare glimpse into a world that is typically sealed off from outsiders. The fights themselves are raw and bloody, with no gloves or protective gear allowed, and the participants fight until one is knocked out or concedes defeat.
As the documentary unfolds, viewers are introduced to a cast of colorful characters, including Michael Quinn McDonagh, a charismatic leader who is determined to uphold his family's honor; Paddy 'the Lurcher' Joyce, a notorious fighter who is feared across the country; and Big Joe Joyce, Paddy's older brother and a peacemaker who tries to prevent the cycle of violence from continuing.
The film also explores the deep cultural ties that bind the Traveler community, and the complex relationships between the various families and clans that make up this close-knit group. Through interviews with the fighters and their families, as well as glimpses into their everyday lives, Knuckle provides a fascinating and often chilling portrait of this little-known subculture.