Some films you know exactly what to expect when you take your seat. Most fall into a defined genre and follow common themes that send you to a satisfying conclusion. But every once in a while, a film comes by that redefines what cinema can be and create something so unique, so unexpected, and so much fun. Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, was that gift to South by Southwest,
I have never seen anything quite like Matt Johnson’s follow-up to his 2007 web series Nirvanna the Band the Show. It feels like Back to the Future meets The Butterfly Effect meets a Christopher Guest film, blending genres in a way that is both unpredictable and exhilarating.
Premiering to standing ovations at SXSW, the buzz surrounding Johnson’s latest film is undeniable and after getting a chance to see it, that buzz is incredibly well deserved.
Following the success of his vastly underrated 2023 film BlackBerry, Matt Johnson set out to make the movie he has always wanted to create and the result is something truly unlike anything ever made. During its 100-minute runtime, I found myself asking, “How did they do this?” at least ten times.
The film follows Matt and his best friend Jay as they chase their dream of performing at a local Toronto music venue. What starts in 2008 extends to the present day, with Matt devising plan after plan to make it happen with one of those plans involving time travel.
Shot as a mockumentary, Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie seamlessly blends footage filmed back in 2007 with present-day sequences, creating something entirely unique. Add to that action sequences filmed in locations where you’d never imagine they could get clearance, and the result is a film that constantly surprises, leaving you in awe of its execution.
The film takes so many twists and turns that predicting what comes next is impossible. It is consistently hilarious yet equally mesmerizing in its sheer audacity and execution.
The moment the credits rolled, I felt an overwhelming urge to stand up and cheer. I wanted to find everyone involved in making this film and simply ask, “How?”
I cannot wait to see it again. However, I’m not sure if it will ever be released in the same form it was shown at South by Southwest. Several moments, images, and events in the film could easily spark controversy, but as Johnson humorously reassured during the Q&A, “We have an amazing lawyer.”
There has never been a movie like this before, and I have a hard time imagining there ever will be again. I eagerly await what comes next for this film and sincerely hope everyone gets the chance to experience it.
5/5 stars
