The wordy and unusual title of this film stems from its background: Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol produced a web series independently commencing in 2007, in which they appear as the titular Nirvana the Band. The series became known as Nirvana the Band the Show, and as it grew, their name gained a second ‘n’ and moved to television. Eighteen years later, and the duo were ready for the big screen.
Seemingly talented pianist Jay McCarrol has stuck by his friend and ‘bandmate’ Matt Johnson since 2007, entertaining Matt’s schemes for their duo Nirvanna the Band to play a headline slot at the Rivoli – despite the band not seeming to have any songs recorded, any setlist planned, or anything other than improvised dreams. As Matt’s plans become increasingly wild, Jay finally decides to look at other avenues to exhibit his talents, secretly booking himself a solo show using conventional means. When Matt’s latest plot – a time travel hoax – turns out to inexplicably send the paid back in time, they’re left to navigate the complexities of interfering in both history and their long friendship.
Although this is a film with history, it is incredibly accessible for those new to Nirvanna the Band. Similarly, the time travel plot, something typically rife with complexities, is easy to follow and filled with laughs and surprising cameos.
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie (2025)
Stream free at:
Kanopy (Ad-free)
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