Pulp Encore: A Joyous Time Machine Review
When a band reunites, it’s more than just a concert; it’s an act of collective memory. And for the nostalgic titans of Britpop, the reunion of Pulp offers a masterclass in harnessing that shared history. Director Garth Jennings’ concert film, Pulp: What Do You Do for an Encore?, isn’t just a performance captured on film—it’s a joyous time machine built from live energy and a treasure trove of archival material that proves some magic simply cannot be replicated.
The film successfully navigates the emotional landscape of the band, using the songs as connective tissue to the past for both the musicians and the massive fanbase. It explores the powerful, visceral drive to keep creating and performing, often beyond the realm of financial expectation. As Jarvis Cocker’s disembodied voice guides the sold-out crowd in 2025 at the O2 in London, the message is clear: “This performance is an encore. An encore occurs because the audience wants more.”
This theme of wanting more resonates deeply. Following their reunion in 2011, the band navigated a period of reflection, culminating in a farewell documentary, Pulp: A Film About Life, Death & Supermarkets, which captured their journey. Yet, this new concert film avoids any sense of finality, instead basking in a celebratory atmosphere that honors their enduring legacy.
Cocker’s signature Gen X wit and storytelling prowess anchor the narrative, weaving through the past and present with effortless charm. Jennings masterfully cuts between the raw energy of the live show and a rich collection of photographs, videos, and documents. This multimedia approach underscores the tangible, almost mythic nature of a band that continues to exist beyond the confines of a single recording.
Rather than simply repeating old memories, the production uses these visual elements to create a unique tapestry. The visual style leans into a collage aesthetic, carefully mixing clips from television appearances on shows like Live & Kicking and TFI Friday with personal material that embodies the famous Pulp misfit ethos. Even subtle graphic illustrations, occasionally tipping into twee territory, are deployed with great effect to enhance the mood.
The stage production itself is equally dynamic. A neon-lit backdrop depicts recognizable Pulp imagery across the decades, layered with hypnotic, otherworldly visuals. The scale of the performance is grand, supported by a string orchestra, yet it manages to remain intensely intimate. This balance is perhaps best seen in the stripped-back rendition of a fan-favourite song dedicated to bassist Steve Mackey, featuring only the core members, which lingers long after the lights fade.
The film culminates in a dazzling celebration of the present. New material from the 2025 album More is seamlessly integrated with instant classics like Disco 2000, Babies, and Common People. When over 20,000 fans join in, letting gold ticker tape rain down as they dance, new memories are forged where the past and the vibrant present perfectly overlap. It’s a powerful reminder that for some artists, the party simply doesn’t end.
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