Get ready to dive deep into the unconventional world of Pavement, the iconic indie rock band of the '90s, with the daring new documentary ‘Pavements,’ directed by Alex Ross Perry. This film opens a captivating dialogue about the band's storied past, just as they gear up for their first concerts since 2010.

Incorporating elements from the band’s rich history, the documentary pieces together a tapestry of reality and artifice, with Perry crafting a unique experience reminiscent of cultural phenomena like the Bob Dylan Center and the Queen biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ If those legendary artists can revamp their legacies, why shouldn't Pavement? That's the thrilling premise driving this ambitious project.

Perry's playful approach is evident from the outset—he previously staged ‘Slanted! Enchanted! A Pavement Musical’ in Manhattan and even created a faux biopic titled ‘Range Life’ featuring Joe Keery from ‘Stranger Things’ as a hilariously bratty Stephen Malkmus.

“They want nothing traditional,” Perry recalled from a conversation with Malkmus, who encouraged him to steer clear of the ‘legacy trap.’ Instead of the typical reverent documentary, the film embraces a more playful yet sobering narrative about the band’s journey—that of catering to expectations they couldn’t, or wouldn’t, meet.

Pavement’s rise to fame in the indie rock scene included sharing the stage with big names like Sonic Youth and grappling with the pressure that came after their 1992 breakout album ‘Slanted and Enchanted.’ Their reputation became that of the lovable underachievers of Generation X, an irony not lost on the audience.

The film’s standout segments blur the line between satire and homage—particularly in ‘Range Life,’ where over-the-top Hollywood tropes are lampooned, exposing the absurdity of music biopics that often aim for Oscar glory.

With bits of deadpan humor and clever commentary, Keery's performance captures Malkmus's essence while poking fun at the intensity of music stardom.

Elements from the band’s real-life dramas are interwoven throughout the documentary. For instance, their infamous early departure from Lollapalooza in 1995 after being bombarded with mud by a rowdy crowd is humorously reenacted, while mud-stained outfits are showcased in a mischievous museum exhibit that celebrates Pavement’s quirky legacy.

Despite a fascinating fictional world, not every audience member caught on to the game. Some believed they’d witnessed an early cut of ‘Pavements’ and expressed their confusion, prompting Perry to address what he calls a need to clarify the narrative surrounding the project.

Critics have largely praised ‘Pavements’ for its originality, with Variety and The New York Times applauding its eccentricity and insightful tribute to a band that resonates deeply with many. Yet, some reviews caution that its appeal might be limited to die-hard fans.

While ‘Pavements’ tells the story of one band, it also propels broader conversations about musical legacy in the '90s. Malkmus himself hinted at the enduring spirit within Pavement: “We still get offers to play shows, and it’s hard not to consider them.” With enthusiasm still buzzing around, Pavement’s narrative continues to unfold, inviting fans old and new to join in the celebration.