Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie (2025): Cast & Ratings
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie is a 2025 comedy starring Matt Johnson as Matt, Jay McCarrol and Ben Petrie. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes and was made on a reported $1.2 million budget. It won 1 award from 1 nomination, including People's Choice Award: Midnight Madness at the TIFF 2025. Critics gave it 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 40m (100 min)
- Genre
- Comedy
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Zapruder Films
- Budget
- $1.2M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie About?
The premise of Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
The boys are back. When their plan to book a show at the Rivoli goes horribly wrong, Matt and Jay accidentally travel back to the year 2008. Blah blah blah blah blah.
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie Cast & Characters
Matt Johnson leads the cast as Matt, with Jay McCarrol as Jay and Ben Petrie.
- Matt Johnson as Matt
- Jay McCarrol as Jay
- Ben Petrie
- Anthony Fantano
Also Starring in Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie
· 3 more- Ethan Eng
- Jared Raab Jared
- Luke Lalonde
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 92/100, strongest in story & flow (94) and weakest in sensory experience (86).
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie Echo Score Breakdown
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie is distinguished by its audacious inventiveness and relentless humor, which resonates throughout its entire construction. Critics highlight the film's meta‑narrative, its joyful celebration of filmmaking, and its capacity to blend slapstick chaos with heartfelt nostalgia. The synthesis of daring form and accessible comedy creates a work that feels both fresh and emotionally grounded, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 92
In terms of art and craft, the film demonstrates a bold directorial vision that subverts conventional techniques. Reviewers note the energetic editing, playful cinematography, and inventive production design that together amplify the chaotic humor. The visual composition consistently reinforces the meta‑narrative, delivering a cohesive aesthetic that feels purposeful despite its anarchic surface.
- Character & Emotion 88
When it comes to character and emotion, the leads display a natural chemistry that anchors the absurd scenarios. Critics observe nuanced performances that oscillate between exaggerated comedy and sincere moments of nostalgia. Although the characters are exaggerated, their emotional beats feel authentic, allowing audiences to connect with the underlying friendship and ambition.
- Story & Flow 94
The story and flow are marked by an original, time‑bending premise that blends mock‑documentary antics with a heartfelt quest for stardom. Reviewers commend the measured pacing that balances rapid jokes with reflective interludes, maintaining engagement throughout the unconventional narrative. The plot’s inventive structure sustains interest while delivering consistent comedic payoff.
- Sensory Experience 86
Sensory experience is heightened by a lively soundtrack and crisp sound design that accentuate comedic timing. Critics describe a vivid visual style that juxtaposes bright Canadian locales with exaggerated set pieces, creating a cohesive aesthetic. The auditory and visual elements work in tandem to reinforce the film’s energetic rhythm.
- Rewatch Factor 90
Rewatch factor is strong due to layered jokes, meta references, and a blend of accessible humor with insider film‑making nods. Reviewers suggest that both longtime fans and newcomers find fresh details on subsequent viewings, ensuring lasting appeal. The film’s inventive construction encourages repeated engagement without diminishing its initial impact.
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IMDb 7.7 /10
14689 votes
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Rotten Tomatoes 95% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 94%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 76% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 4.2 /5
323034 ratings
See on Letterboxd
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie Plot Summary
What happens in Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In 2008, Toronto musicians Matt and Jay form “Nirvanna the Band” in the hopes of landing a single show at the Rivoli. Seventeen years pass, and the duo still has not secured a gig, their schemes repeatedly failing and straining their friendship.
Matt proposes a bold publicity stunt, the Seventh Inning Skydive, aiming to plunge from the CN Tower into the SkyDome during a Blue Jays game. The plan blows up when the SkyDome roof shuts mid-dive, intensifying Jay’s frustration with Matt’s reckless ideas. Jay quietly books an open mic slot in Ottawa while Matt grows convinced they can win over Rivoli by posing as time travelers. He outfits their RV with fake time-travel gear inspired by Back to the Future, but a spilled bottle of Orbitz sabotages the setup.
Full summary
The whole story of Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, scene by scene
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie Awards & Nominations
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie won 1 award from 1 nomination, including People's Choice Award: Midnight Madness at the TIFF 2025.
1 win1 nomination1 ceremony
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TIFF 2025 1 win · 1 nomination- Won People's Choice Award: Midnight Madness – Matt Johnson
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 featurette.
- Featurette Q&A with Matt Johnson & Jay McCarrol | TIFF 2025
How Well Do You Know Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
In what year does the duo form their band at the start of the story?
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie Also Known As
2 alternative titles: “Nirvanna The Band The Movie” and “너바나 더 밴드 더 쇼 더 무비”.
- Also known as
-
- Nirvanna The Band The Movie
- 너바나 더 밴드 더 쇼 더 무비
Seen Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie?
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie FAQ: Cast & Awards
Runtime, release date, cast, budget, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie?
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).
When was Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie released?
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie was released on March 9, 2025.
Who is in the cast of Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie?
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie stars Matt Johnson as Matt, Jay McCarrol as Jay and Ben Petrie, among 7 credited actors.
What was the budget of Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie?
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie had a reported budget of $1.2 million.
How is Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie rated?
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie has 7.7/10 on IMDb, 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, 76% on TMDB and 4.2/5 on Letterboxd.
What awards did Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie win?
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie won 1 award from 1 nomination, including People's Choice Award: Midnight Madness at the TIFF 2025.
Does Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie have a post-credit scene?
No. Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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