“Pavements,” the innovative documentary directed by Alex Ross Perry, premiered on Mubi on July 11, 2025, offering a satirical and inventive exploration of the 1990s in rock band Pavement. The film uniquely blends documentary footage with fictional elements, including a staged off-Broadway musical, a museum exhibition, and a Hollywood biopic, all celebrating the band’s legacy in a parallel universe where they are globally revered.
The documentary features performances by Joe Keery and Jason Schwartzman, who portray the band members in the fictionalized segments. The film also includes archival footage of the band and a musical stage play consisting of songs from their discography.
Critics have praised “Pavements” for its originality and humor. The Financial Times describes it as “droll but never snotty, richly inventive, and so smartly executed that reality blurs.” The New York Times highlights the film’s “terrific strangeness and entertainment,” noting its ability to “refract the iconic image of lo-fi band Pavement into new, hybrid forms.”
“Pavements” had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September 2024 and has since been showcased at various international film festivals, including the New York Film Festival and the BFI London Film Festival. The film is now available for streaming on Mubi in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, France, and Ireland.
The film’s release has been accompanied by a trailer for a fictional musical biopic titled “Range Life: A Pavement Story,” starring Joe Keery as frontman Stephen Malkmus. This satirical element adds to the film’s playful examination of the band’s legacy and the cultural mechanics behind fame.
“Pavements” stands out in the genre of rock documentaries by blending fact and fiction, offering a fresh perspective on the band’s impact and the nature of artistic success. Its inventive approach challenges traditional biographical storytelling, providing both longtime fans and newcomers with a unique and engaging experience.
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