Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie (2025) is a Canadian feature-length mockumentary comedy based on the cult-favorite web and TV series created by Matt Johnson (BlackBerry) and *Jay McCarrol. Known for blending scripted absurdity with unscripted public pranks, the film expands the duo’s long-running gag: trying and failing to book their fictional band, Nirvanna the Band, a gig at Toronto’s iconic Rivoli music venue.
The story opens with a wild CN Tower stunt gone wrong before spinning into an unexpected time-travel adventure that sends Matt and Jay back to 2008 Toronto. Mixing archival footage, hidden-camera hijinks, and elaborate practical stunts, the film balances outrageous comedy with a surprising emotional core about friendship and persistence. Directed by Matt Johnson and distributed in North America by XYZ Films, the movie premiered in 2025 and quickly became a festival talking point.
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie Age Rating
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie is officially rated R by the Motion Picture Association for language and brief violence. The rating reflects the film’s heavy use of profanity, prank sequences that escalate into tense situations, and moments of moderate violence. Despite being a comedy, the unpredictable stunts and tone push it into adult territory.
Violence & Peril
Violence is moderate and mostly exaggerated for laughs. The film’s opening sequence features Matt and Jay attempting a death-defying parachute jump off Toronto’s CN Tower, played for both spectacle and comedy. Brief scuffles, chaos during pranks, and moments of accidental danger occur, but no graphic injuries or gore are shown.
Language
Profanity is severe and frequent, and it’s the main reason for the R rating. Strong language is used casually and consistently throughout the movie, often as part of comedic banter or frustration.
Mature Themes
Thematically, the film tackles friendship, failure, and obsession, but not in a heavy way. Some mild references to drugs and alcohol appear, but substance use is not a focus. There is no sexual content or nudity. The stunts and public pranks bring unpredictability and intensity that may feel stressful for younger viewers.
Is Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie Suitable for Teens?
Ages 12 and under: No. The R rating, frequent profanity, and prank-driven intensity make the film inappropriate for children.
Ages 13–15: Not recommended. Teens in this age group may enjoy the slapstick humor, but the pervasive strong language and risky stunts make it unsuitable.
Ages 16–17: With guidance. Older teens may appreciate the film’s absurd comedy and time-travel plot. Parents should be aware of the heavy profanity and brief violence before allowing viewing.
Final recommendation: The movie is best suited for adults and older teens (16+), with parents deciding based on comfort with profanity-heavy comedy.
What Parents Can Do
- Prepare teens for the language. If older teens are watching, discuss why the film uses so much profanity for comedic effect.
- Talk about prank culture. The movie blurs fiction with real interactions — highlight the difference between safe comedy and dangerous stunts.
- Discuss themes of failure and friendship. Despite the absurdity, the story has meaningful messages about persistence and bonds that can spark good conversations.
FAQs
Q1: What is Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie rated?
A: The movie is rated R for language and brief violence.
Q2: Is the film appropriate for kids?
A: No, the R rating and severe profanity make it unsuitable for children.
Q3: Does the movie have scary or violent scenes?
A: Violence is moderate and mostly comedic, such as stunt sequences and brief chaotic moments.
Q4: Is there any sexual content or nudity?
A: No. The movie contains no sex or nudity.
Q5: Are drugs or alcohol shown in the film?
A: There are some mild references to alcohol and drugs, but they are not a focus.
Q6: Where can I watch the movie?
A: The film premiered in 2025 and will be distributed by XYZ Films, with theatrical and digital release plans to follow.