Hulu is now streaming "Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie," a feature-length film that expands on the cult-favorite web and television series of the same name. Created by and starring Toronto-based musician-comedians Jay McCarrol and Matt Johnson, the movie follows their on-screen personas, Jay and Matt, members of the fictional band Nirvanna the Band.
The film centers on the duo's long-standing ambition to play a gig at Toronto's Rivoli music venue. The narrative, which incorporates elements of time travel and meta-comedy, is described as a "crazy, inspired meta-comedy about friendship and time travel." The plot involves the characters, in their 20s in 2008, attempting to achieve their dream gig. A significant plot point involves the characters in 2025 using a time machine to travel back to 2008 to interact with their younger selves, a conceit made possible by the real-life filmmakers' methods.
McCarrol and Johnson reportedly filmed their younger selves in 2008 and then, as their older selves in 2025, filmed themselves interacting with the archival footage. This approach is highlighted as a "modest marvel of editing" and "clever retroactive writing." The film also features guerrilla filmmaking techniques, including improvised interactions with unsuspecting individuals.
"Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie" draws parallels to "Tenacious D's" unique comedic style and "The Napa Boys." The performances of McCarrol and Johnson are central, with Johnson's character often taking the lead due to its more gregarious nature. Johnson is also known for directing the film "Blackberry" and the upcoming Anthony Bourdain biopic "Tony."
The film's humor is characterized by layers of jokes and a self-aware, surreal quality. One notable aspect is the acknowledgment of the camera crew's presence, with characters requesting older cameras to match the visual style of the 2008 footage. The movie explores themes of friendship and the characters' quest for self-discovery, both literally and metaphorically, amidst the absurdity of their time-traveling endeavors.
Despite the unconventional narrative and humor, which may require an adjustment period for new viewers, the film is recommended for its unique brand of meta-comedy and its cohesive, albeit eccentric, storytelling.