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Comedy

Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie (2025): Cast & Ratings

Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie (2025) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
95%
award won
1
Echo Score
92
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Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie (2025) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 40m (100 min)
Genre
Comedy
Original language
English
Budget
$1.2M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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.

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Cast & crew

Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie Cast & Characters

Matt Johnson leads the cast as Matt, with Jay McCarrol as Jay and Ben Petrie.

Also Starring in Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie

· 3 more
Ratings

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).

92 /100

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.

Plot

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

Read the full summary
Awards

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

Videos

Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 featurette.

Official Trailer
  • Featurette Q&A with Matt Johnson & Jay McCarrol | TIFF 2025
Quiz

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

In what year does the duo form their band at the start of the story?

Details

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

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FAQ

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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