Pulp: What Do You Do for an Encore? review – Jarvis Cocker’s wit and warmth upstage the hits
The film documents Pulp's return to touring after a decade-long hiatus, featuring concert footage from two sold-out O2 shows in London. The documentary interweaves these performances with autobiographical reflections from Jarvis Cocker, archive footage, and interviews, chronicling the Sheffield outsiders' unlikely journey from Cocker's teenage ambitions in 1978 to their status as national treasures. Their first album in 24 years has reached No. 1, confirming their enduring cultural significance.
The film captures Pulp's art-pop anthems performed by the classic lineup and a 10-piece string section, with Cocker (now in his 60s) still delivering strong performances. The review praises the biographical and archival segments as "wonderful: droll, heartfelt and inimitably Cocker," but criticises the concert filming for failing to capture the intimate energy that made Pulp special. The distant camerawork and vast O2 arena stage undermine the performances despite the audience's evident enjoyment. The film is in UK and Irish cinemas from 18 September and on Mubi from 25 September.
- Pulp returns after ten years; new album debuts at No. 1
- Documentary praised for Cocker's wit and autobiographical warmth
- Concert footage struggles to capture the band's essential intimate energy