The highly anticipated “The Eras Tour: The Film” hit theaters worldwide on Friday, Oct. 13, gifting viewers a chance to revisit the concert experience. Many were given the opportunity to experience it for the first time after last fall’s intense battle for tickets that left many excited fans empty-handed.
The film contains almost all of Swift’s 45 song setlist–which she performed weekly from March to August of 2023–noticeably omitting songs such as “cardigan” and “Long Live” (which was added after the re-release of “Speak Now”), and the spoken version of “seven.” Speeches, set transitions, and audience applause were also cut or trimmed. Despite the absence of such elements, the implementation of close-up angles, viewer reactions, and stage-wide shots provides audiences with scenes that cannot be found at the actual concert.
“But regardless of the era Swift’s revisiting, her singular ability to connect emotionally with both the songs and her audience is what shines through,” Christy Lemire said in a film review on “Roger Ebert.”
Swift’s knack for relatability and her ability to connect with a massive audience has been a key factor in her success outside of her songwriting skill. The ability for Swift to connect with over 70,000 people in a routine show is part of her success–and the reason for such high demand for tickets. The film allows nonfans, casual listeners, or die hard “Swifties” the chance to experience the range of Swift’s discography–from chart topping hits to lesser known ballads–alongside other fans who sing and dance along to the film.
“Swift is in her titan era,” NPR writer Bilal Qureshi said in his article.
Echoing this strength was Christy Lemire of Roger Ebert.
“Although she’s long been a fashion icon for women and an aspirational idol for little girls everywhere, her evocative storytelling is her deepest and most transcendent strength, and this film wisely allows us to appreciate that ability anew,” Lemire said. Swift is in her titan era. — Bilal Qureshi
Both the film and the concert make one thing clear: Swift exists in multitudes. There is the simplistic teenager from “Fearless,” the lovesick young adult in “Enchanted,” the confused twenty-something in “I Knew You Were Trouble,” and the secret poet of “tolerate it.”
The concert gives Swift the opportunity to traverse 17 years of genre-bending and reinvention; both film and concert attendees experience the trademark cathartic, diaristic pen Swift has held since 2006 and her fun, dramatic stage presence.
The film is currently slated to play in theaters through the first weekend in November. Fans can see the film for the price of $19.89 for adults and $13.13 for children, aptly chosen for Swift’s lucky numbers. If attending a show at AMC Theaters, fans will receive free posters and have the opportunity to purchase souvenir cups, batons, tote bags, and popcorn buckets while supplies last.
