Film Review: ‘Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie’

If somebody asked me to describe Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie in a single word, I don’t think I would be able to. Like the film’s loquacious title, the Canadian-made movie bursts at the seams. It is chock-full of genres, styles, and outrageous moments that you have to see to believe. It is simultaneously a mockumentary, a buddy comedy, and a love letter to Canadian filmmaking. Plus, the whole movie is a completely unlicensed Back to the Future parody. 

Based on a web series turned sitcom of the same name, Nirvanna stars two best friends, Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol. The two play fictional versions of themselves in their hometown of Toronto. They hatch scheme after scheme in an attempt to secure their band (Nirvanna, get it?) a spot playing at the Rivoli. The Rivoli is not a coveted music hall, but a Torontonian bar that they have arbitrarily ascribed great importance to. As their plans become more and more elaborate, Jay begins to become disillusioned with Matt’s optimism, and plans to strike out on his own. But just as he’s about to break Matt’s heart, the two accidentally time–travel back to the year 2008 in their homemade time machine. Things only get crazier and more complicated from there. 

The movie is largely improvised, but the narrative is so airtight that it is hard to tell. Johnson and McCarrol pull off the beautiful balancing act of portraying absolutely ridiculous characters while simultaneously making the audience feel for them every step of the way. After travelling back to 2008, the pair sneak into their old apartment and encounter their younger selves. These scenes were achieved through masterful editing by Curt Lobb and Robert Upchurch. The pair took old scenes from the Nirvanna web series and interspliced them into the movie. The effect of young and old Matt and Jay interacting is surprisingly heartwarming. These scenes contribute to the overall theme of friendship that shines throughout the film.

The film is also a love letter to Toronto and Canada. The movie is filmed entirely in the streets of Toronto and contains a number of Canadian references throughout. The discontinued Canadian soda Orbitz plays a key role in the film’s plot, and Matt and Jay spend a significant amount of time on the CN Tower. Watching the film serves as a reminder of how important great Canadian content is. Nothing beats the thrill of seeing our country represented on the big screen.

There is so much more to say about this film, but I feel the less you know going in, the better. Stop reading and go watch it instead! Nirvanna is available for rent on Amazon Prime.