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Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie Sets Feb. 13 Theatrical Release as Critics Weigh In

Early appraisals spotlight guerrilla filmmaking with a Toronto‑specific time‑travel conceit.

Overview

  • The feature from Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol expands their cult series into a movie about their fictional band’s quest to play the Rivoli through a time-bending setup.
  • Cinematographer Jared Raab shot extensive hidden‑camera material, capturing real public reactions and even slipping Jay onstage during an actual Arkells concert.
  • The creators acknowledge worries over the legality of certain set pieces and say they cannot fully detail how some stunts were accomplished.
  • Critical responses diverge, ranging from The Globe and Mail’s enthusiastic Critic’s Pick to The Hollywood Reporter’s sharply negative review.
  • Rated PG and running 100 minutes, the film builds on the 2007 web series and 2017 Viceland show, following a festival premiere at SXSW.