Taylor Swift’s Eras film is an extraordinary artist’s ode to her fans

TAYLOR SWIFT: THE ERAS TOUR
M, 168 minutes
★★★★

There is so much noise around Taylor Swift – who she’s dating, who she’s feuding with, whether she could really fuel inflation. But Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour manages to silence the racket surrounding the 33-year-old superstar while amplifying what she is at her core: an enchanting performer.

Swifties getting ready to watch Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour at Sydney’s IMAX theatre.Credit: Louie Douvis

Deemed a “mini Barbie” before it even hit screens, the film was initially described as recordings from Swift’s three performances at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium in August. It is exactly that – no more, no less. Anyone hoping for behind-the-scenes footage or deep-dive interviews may feel a pang of disappointment, but that disappointment will probably dissipate as soon as Swift reaches the chorus of her first song, Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince, sending both Swifties and newbies into rapturous applause.

Though not quite as long as an actual Eras Tour concert (which runs for about 3½ hours), it offers a near-complete look at the pop extravaganza, which Australians will get to see in its entirety in February. For those who weren’t lucky enough to nab tickets, the film is a solid consolation prize. Sure, they won’t get to hear the seven tracks left off the filmed version, such as Cardigan or Archer, but they have a front-row seat to just under 40 other songs.

The Eras Tour is divided into 10 sections, which each represent one of Swift’s albums, as well as an acoustic set. Each section guides us through a part of Swift’s personality, gradually painting a picture of her journey so far. From the longing innocence of Fearless to the moodier contemplation of Midnights, every part of her is seemingly laid bare for all her fans to see. It’s the perfect summary for newcomers and a wonderful celebration for superfans.

The videography, directed by Sam Wrench, helps steer the audience through this admittedly long and occasionally exhausting journey. Not only does it omit unneeded costume change breaks, its movement also evokes the mood of each era, such as lingering panning shots for the wistful Folklore and faster, jerkier edits for the vengeful Reputation.

The ebb and flow is what makes sitting through a nearly three-hour film not only possible, but enjoyable, especially when paired with a buzzing cinema filled with fans singing along, waving their hands and clapping to the beat.

The camera also emphasises the indefatigable backup dancers, whose incredible hairography and beaming smiles would probably be somewhat overlooked at live shows.

But – and this should come as no surprise – it’s Swift that remains the ultimate star of the show. The camera faithfully follows her around the stage, revealing the most intimate details from every possible angle, such as her winged eyeliner, her multicoloured fingernails and individual sequins on her many dazzling costumes. She barely seems to break a sweat throughout, leaving you as awed by her stamina as by her charisma or lyrics.

Swift is performing in front of about 70,000 fans in Los Angeles (not to mention the millions watching in cinemas across the globe), yet she has the astonishing ability to make it seem as if she’s speaking to you alone. Her candid, and, at times, goofy and awkward conversations with the crowd feel like an interaction with a childhood friend – one you probably haven’t seen in years, but are forever linked to thanks to shared memories. Every wink, every wave, every playful poked-out tongue builds that intimacy, particularly when watching in mega close-up.

“I feel like I’ve grown up with her,” one fan said before the movie. “She’s like my bestie that I’ve never met.”

When the camera strays from the star, it lands on members of the crowd – adoring fans with tears streaking down their faces. It’s fandom at its rawest; it’s witnessing a young girl seeing her idol in the flesh for the first time. These shots lift the curtain, revealing the driving force behind Swift’s mega-fame.

While the world’s been wondering who she’ll date next, Swift has been creating this tribute to her one true love: her fans. The entire production is so clearly by her own meticulous design. She really is a mastermind.

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour is in cinemas now.

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