Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie hits theaters on February 13.
By Elazar Abrahams
It is a mouthful to say, but Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie has got to be one of the most logistically insane films to ever grace the silver screen. The fact that this is getting a theatrical release is in itself a small miracle, because it just feels like a future cult classic meant to be discovered by high schoolers in 20 years hanging out in a basement, probably high.
The film follows Matt and Jay, fictionalized versions of creators Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol, as they chase their lifelong goal of booking a gig for their band at Toronto’s Rivoli venue. Long story short, their schemes go haywire and the movie turns into a time travelling adventure in which the duo go back to 2008, where they start to collide with their past selves from the web series this film is succeeding.
These guys are a riot, and the mockumentary, fly-on-the-wall format is their signature, akin to Jackass or Sacha Baron Cohen’s work. The fact that Nirvanna opens with a stunt as unhinged as secretly skydiving off the CN Tower without permits and still has surprises to follow is super impressive.
The way the Band the Show the Movie is able to blend the staged narrative with real world interactions is a highlight, especially when Matt and Jay travel back to 2008. Editors combed through what must have been hours upon hours of footage from two decades ago that convincingly fit into a narrative made now. It has to be seen to be believed. Anyone interested in filmmaking will be questioning how this was pulled off.
The only real downside was my unfamiliarity. As someone coming with no knowledge of the web series and subsequent TV sitcom Nirvanna the Band the Show, the film feels a bit confusing, like catching up as everything is happening. It stands firmly on its own but I have no doubt is much more rewarding to longtime fans who have layers of context for each callback.
I give Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie an A-.
TV and City 