Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie (2025)★ 8.1/10

A confession: I had not been to the theatre in a while, but I had a free ticket after last summer's continued volunteer work with Fantasia Film Festival, and this was playing. And I'm glad I took a chance on it. Maybe the recent news of a drop in ticket sales is true, but to see these two star in a "Back to the Future" inspired film about fame, friendship and fate made me proud to know that this was made near my old stomping ground (Golden Horseshoe boy from Hamilton).
One of the funniest, silliest and just plain original films of 2026.
And my final confession: I had not seen or heard a damn thing about these two or their show, but that extra "N" keeps this 90s GenXer intrigued and willing to go back to see what other spectacles they created.
And I didn't even spoil this review...
Now, where's that Orbitz (it's an acquired taste)?

In 2007, comic duo Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol created a Canadian mockumentary web series called "Nirvana the Band”, playing fictionalized versions of themselves trying to obtain a gig at the Rivoli in Toronto. In 2017, they created the series called “Nirvanna the Band the Show”. Now, the dynamic duo are back with a movie called NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE. How have I never heard of these guys until now? This is the funniest movie since THE NAKED GUN. The humour isn’t nearly as silly as that though. They are still hell-bent on getting that gig at the Rivoli. They still haven’t thought to just call them. Matt is the planner and Jay is the piano accompaniment. There are so many things in this movie that begs the question “How did they pull that off?”. The way they talk to actual people out in Toronto, evoking their actual reactions, is so funny. Some moments are beyond belief, but they set the tone for what wacky shenanigans these guys eventually get up to. Each of them has a clear goal in mind. I loved hearing the reactions of the audience behind me. They have undeniable chemistry and increasingly desperate plans. At its core, this is a sincere look at a specific friendship dynamic that is relatable, even though the antics they get up to are the whims of manchildren. I’m so happy I can still be surprised while watching movies these days. It’s energetic, unpredictable, and surprisingly heartfelt. Overall, NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE is a love letter to Toronto, successfully reviving something I never even knew existed, and what might very well be the funniest and most charming movie this year. It’s not very long and it sticks the landing. What more can I ask for?

Funny buddy movie. It borrows a lot from a number of sources, all pretty recognizable movies/media... Back to the Future is a big one. But it's a wild blend of hidden-camera footage and normal fictional movie footage. Hard to decipher what is real and what is staged, but that's the point. A really unique ride. Highly recommend if you're looking for something that'll make you LOL.

This was absolutely great, what a trip! It is disorienting, propulsive, and weirdly invigorating. The movie understands that cringe is a metronome, that “stupid” is a craft. It keeps finding new angles on the same impulse: the grand delusion of a small life insisting it deserves a spotlight, and the sheer idiotic beauty of trying anyway.

Funniest movie of the year, easily.

i can't totally tell if this will be entertaining or fun to non-canadians, but it's truly one of the funniest craziest and most daring movies i've ever seen

VIFF 2025 #1
Oct 3 – Rio Theatre – 6:00pm

This was honestly such a riot.

Truth be told, I've only seen the first two episodes of the show as of this week as a brief acclimation before diving right into the movie.

Will absolutely be taking a binge of the web series and tv series before the film gets a proper wide release. I'll be watching it again first chance I get. I'm only leaving this at a 9/10 right now because I'm sure I'll appreciate it even more the next time around.

I hear they've already shot Season 3 of the show, and are currently awaiting distribution and release. Considering the success the movie has found in the festival circuit, I doubt we'll be waiting long before an official release date is set.

What a way to start the festival.