Nirvanna the Band Evolves into Time-Travel Feature Film with Toronto Roots
In a recent Zoom interview, Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol, the creative duo behind the beloved Nirvanna the Band franchise, found themselves in a lighthearted dispute. As they wrapped up discussing their latest project, McCarrol accused Johnson of accidentally kicking him, sparking a brief, amusing debate. This exchange, though seemingly trivial, hints at the comedic chemistry that has fueled their long-running partnership.
From Web Series to Big Screen Adventure
The film, titled Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, marks a significant evolution for the franchise, which began as a web series in 2007. It follows fictionalized versions of Johnson and McCarrol as they continue their obsessive quest to land a gig at Toronto's iconic Rivoli venue. This time, however, their antics take a fantastical turn with a time-travel plot inspired by classic adventure movies.
Set in 2025, the story sees the duo concoct an elaborate stunt involving parachutes and the CN Tower, aiming to capture attention for their still-unbooked Rivoli show. When this goes awry, tensions rise, leading to a rift that deepens as a fake time machine unexpectedly transports them back to 2008. The narrative explores the complexities of their friendship, blending humor with moments of introspection.
Guerrilla Filmmaking on a Modest Budget
Shot with a documentary-style approach, the film was made on a budget of just $150,000, relying on improvisation and a small crew. Johnson and McCarrol roamed downtown Toronto with a single cameraman, capturing scenes in real-time, such as their attempt to sneak parachutes into the CN Tower. This guerrilla method allowed for spontaneity, with the actors often making decisions on the fly.
To achieve the time-travel elements, the filmmakers cleverly reused footage from their original web series, including shots of Queen Street West from 2008. This not only added authenticity but also highlighted the franchise's roots in Toronto's cultural landscape, even featuring a brief cameo of disgraced CBC host Jian Ghomeshi on a billboard.
Real-Life Dynamics vs. On-Screen Portrayals
When asked if their off-screen relationship mirrors the on-screen dynamics, Johnson was quick to deny it. "We know each other, we work together, and we have a longstanding professional relationship, but that doesn't really bleed into our personal lives," he said. However, given that the franchise originated when they lived together on Queen Street West, the line between reality and fiction often blurs.
McCarrol noted that the film initially felt like an extension of their TV show but evolved into a larger adventure. "We just started to riff on the idea of a big, huge, classic adventure movie time-travel thing, and we got so caught up in it that we thought, 'We have to make this movie,'" he explained.
Critical Acclaim and Future Prospects
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September to positive reviews, building on Johnson's previous success with Blackberry, which swept the Canadian Screen Awards in 2024. Despite its cinematic leap, the duo remains grounded in their original goal. When asked what's next, McCarrol quipped, "We're trying to get a show at the Rivoli."
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie opens across Canada on February 13, offering audiences a unique blend of comedy, friendship, and time-travel escapades rooted in Toronto's indie film scene.
