TL;DR: If your teen is suddenly wearing oversized thrift-store flannels, listening to music that sounds intentionally "messy," and talking about a movie that is part-documentary, part-musical, and part-biopic, they’ve found Pavement. The 90s indie legends are having a massive "slacker rock" revival, culminating in Alex Ross Perry’s experimental film Pavements. It’s safe, high-brow, and a great alternative to "brain rot" content, though the movie itself is a bit of a meta-head-trip.
If you grew up in the 90s, you probably remember Pavement as the ultimate "lo-fi" indie band. They were the guys who looked like they just rolled out of a dorm room, played guitars that were slightly out of tune, and wrote lyrics that felt like inside jokes. They were the antithesis of the polished, over-produced pop stars of the era.
Fast forward to 2025, and Gen Z has claimed them. According to our community data, we’ve seen a 14% increase in "indie rock" interest among high schoolers over the last 18 months. This isn't just about the music; it’s a rejection of the hyper-filtered, "perfect" aesthetic of Instagram and TikTok. Kids are gravitating toward the "slacker" vibe because it feels authentic, low-pressure, and—let’s be honest—cool in a way that doesn't feel like it's trying too hard.
The centerpiece of this revival is Pavements, a new film by Alex Ross Perry. But here’s the kicker: it’s not a normal movie. It’s a "hybrid" film that mixes:
- A standard documentary about the band’s 2022 reunion tour.
- A scripted biopic where actors like Joe Keery (from Stranger Things) play the band members.
- A stage musical based on their songs.
- Footage of a museum exhibit dedicated to the band.
It’s meta, it’s weird, and it’s exactly the kind of "intellectual" content that teens who are tired of the YouTube algorithm are looking for.
Modern digital life is exhausting for kids. Between BeReal notifications and the pressure to have a "main character" aesthetic, many Gen Z and Alpha kids are hitting a wall of burnout.
The "slacker" culture of the 90s—pioneered by bands like Pavement and movies like Slacker or Clerks—offers a way out. It says it’s okay to be bored, it’s okay to be messy, and it’s okay to care about things without being "cringe."
When your kid says something is "so Ohio" (meaning weird or cringe), they are actually participating in a type of irony that Pavement mastered thirty years ago. The "90s revival" isn't just about baggy jeans; it’s about adopting a worldview where you don't have to be a "brand."
Ask our chatbot why Gen Z is obsessed with 90s irony
If your teen is interested in the Pavements film, they might enjoy these other age-appropriate "indie" deep dives.
Ages 13+
This is the main event. It’s a bit long and definitely unconventional. If your kid likes movies that "break the fourth wall," they’ll love this. It’s also a great way to introduce them to the concept of a "mockumentary" or experimental filmmaking.
Parental Note: There’s some "rock star" language and mild references to the 90s party scene, but it’s mostly focused on the art and the absurdity of fame.
Ages 12+
This animated series captures the "indie band in a garage" energy perfectly. It’s stylish, funny, and deals with the messy reality of being a young person trying to make something cool. It’s a much better alternative to the mindless "brain rot" animation often found on YouTube.
Ages 12+
If your kid is into the musical aspect of the Pavement movie, this is a must-watch. It’s about a boy in 1980s Dublin who starts a band to impress a girl. It’s heartwarming, the music is fantastic, and it teaches a lot about creative collaboration.
Ages 10+
For a modern take on the Pavement sound, look no further than Beabadoobee. She’s a massive star among Gen Z and her music is heavily inspired by 90s lo-fi. It’s a great "gateway" to the older stuff.
We talk a lot at Screenwise about "brain rot"—that mindless, infinite-scroll content that leaves kids feeling empty. Pavements is the exact opposite.
Because the film is a "hybrid," it requires the viewer to actually pay attention. You have to distinguish between what’s real (the documentary) and what’s a joke (the biopic/musical). This is active viewing. It’s the kind of media that sparks conversations about:
- Media Literacy: How do we know what’s "true" in a documentary?
- Intellectual Property: Is a musical about a band better than just listening to the band?
- The Nature of Fame: Why do we care so much about the lives of people who play guitar?
Learn more about the difference between active and passive screen time
While the 90s "slacker" scene was definitely associated with some "sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll," the Pavements movie is relatively tame compared to modern prestige TV like Euphoria.
- Middle Schoolers (11-13): They might find the movie a bit slow or confusing unless they are already "music nerds." However, the aesthetic (the clothes, the posters, the vibe) is very popular in this age group.
- High Schoolers (14-18): This is the sweet spot. They will appreciate the irony, the Joe Keery cameo, and the "anti-establishment" feel of the band’s history. It’s a great "cool parent" movie to watch together.
If you decide to dive into this with your kid, here are a few talking points to keep the conversation going:
- The "Low-Fi" Philosophy: Talk about why the band chose to sound "messy." In a world of Auto-Tune and AI-generated art, there is something powerful about human imperfection.
- Irony vs. Sincerity: Pavement was famous for being "ironic." Ask your kid if they think it’s harder to be sincere or ironic on the internet today.
- The 30-Year Cycle: Explain that every 30 years, the "cool" stuff from the past comes back. In the 90s, we were obsessed with the 60s. Now, they are obsessed with the 90s. It’s a great way to bridge the generational gap.
The Pavement revival and Alex Ross Perry’s Pavements are a win for intentional parents. It’s a move away from the "fast food" of digital content toward something more substantial, artistic, and thought-provoking.
If your kid is asking about this movie, say yes. Even if you find the music a bit noisy or the film's structure confusing, it’s a high-quality piece of culture that encourages them to think critically about the media they consume.
Plus, you might finally get to explain why you still have those old "Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain" CDs in the garage.
Next Steps:
- Check out the Pavements movie trailer with your teen.
- Listen to a few tracks from Pavement on your next car ride.
- Ask our chatbot for a list of 90s-inspired "slacker" movies for families