Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol, creators of the mockumentary series Nirvanna the Band the Show, have released a big-screen spin-off titled Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie. The film combines the life-endangering stunts of Jackass, the hidden-camera comedy of Borat, and the plot of Back to the Future. In the movie, the duo install a flux capacitor in their RV and travel from 2025 to 2008 to secure a gig at Toronto's Rivoli club.
From web series to big screen
The original web series, which aired from 2007 to 2008, followed Johnson and McCarrol as incorrigible no-hopers who pull off stunts to promote their nonexistent show. The series was later picked up for two seasons by Vice TV. The new film, directed by Johnson, expands on the concept with higher stakes and a time-travel narrative. According to Johnson, borrowing Back to the Future's plot was "kind of a writing hack" that ups the stakes for characters who otherwise have no real motivation.
Illegal skydiving and stressful filming
One of the film's standout sequences involves the duo skydiving illegally from Toronto's CN Tower, 356 metres (1,168 feet) up. McCarrol said the idea came from a need for scope: "I knew we needed scope, otherwise the movie would feel like a long television show. I said, 'We've got to jump off the CN Tower or something.'" However, the filming process was far from enjoyable. McCarrol described it as "90% stressful," with meticulous planning required for each stunt. He noted that after the CN Tower stunt, they said, "Oh, that was bad," while leaving the scene.
Evolution of comedy and sensitivity
The film adopts a kinder humour compared to the original web series, which included racist language and homophobic insults. McCarrol explained that the change reflects "the goalposts of life moving," adding that if the web series came out now, it would be considered tasteless. Johnson attributed the earlier content to early 21st-century pop culture: "That was the water we were swimming in." He described the characters as "like 10-year-old boys at summer camp" who want to discover the edge of their community.
Reactions to past criticism
The creators faced criticism over the years, with a 2017 article in Toronto publication Now comparing the show to "watching two very comfortable white teenagers hang out in the safety of their parents' basement." A Letterboxd fan also noted that "the amount of racism does wear on you" for non-white viewers. Johnson acknowledged the criticism but defended their comedic framework, which hinges on pushing back at accepted norms. He said, "I'm still using it today. Jay and I have a line on set: 'It's difficult for us to be class clowns unless there's a teacher.'"
Diverging views on past material
When reflecting on their youthful material, McCarrol conceded, "We did get it wrong, admittedly." Johnson, however, was more defiant: "Oh, I'm not willing to go that far." Despite this difference, the film represents a shift toward edgy yet non-racist comedy. Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie is in UK cinemas from 3 July, with previews from 1 July, which is Canada Day.
