Mutiny in Heaven: The Birthday Party

Nick Cave has aged like a fine wine over the years, deepening his iconic status as both an unparalleled performer and songwriter. In the electrifying new documentary Mutiny in Heaven, Nick and his first band, The Birthday Party, offer an unfiltered, intimate, and immersive exploration of the influential post-punk group that catapulted him onto the global stage. Narrated exclusively by the original band members, the film delves deep into a band’s psyche, chronicling how Nick Cave and his school friends went from humble beginnings in suburban Australia to startling audiences everywhere with their confrontational performances, primal screams, outlaw gothic horror, and anarchic lifestyle during their relatively brief run from 1977-1983. By the time of their inevitable disintegration, they’d been labeled “the most dangerous band in the world.” Featuring never-before-seen personal footage from band members, dynamic animation sequences, and jaw dropping concert clips, the film provides a sweaty, electrifying front-row seat to one of the most legendary post-punk live acts of all-time. Executive-produced by former Birthday Party-er Mick Harvey and celebrated filmmaker Wim Wenders. (Dir. by Ian White, 2023, Australia, 98 mins., Not Rated)

Other festivals: Melbourne International FF