Taylor Swift is one of the most popular singers in the world, and this is reflected in the box office profits of her newly released concert film. Since its October 13 release, Swift’s documentary-style tour movie, titled “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,” has raked in over 160 million dollars. Especially on opening weekend, theaters were booked to full capacity.
Swifties from all over Harford County streamed into movie theaters, packing intothe lobbies with their bags of friendship bracelets in hand. Excited chatter filled the air as attendees streamed into the theater and found their seats while others waited in line to buy an eras-themed popcorn bucket or cup. Nearly every seat was filled, with the typical enthusiastic teen girls as well as toddlers, parents, and even grandparents.
The wait for the film to begin felt ages long despite the commercials that flashed across the screen. Anticipation crackled in the air as the countdown began onscreen. Once Taylor appeared, surrounded by flowing pastel fans, and began singing the opening number, “Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince,” one young fan in the audience began to scream along to the lyrics so loudly that heads turned.
The film lasted an impressive two hours and forty-five minutes but felt like a blur. It included performances from songs from each of her albums, excluding her self-titled debut, as well as two surprise songs. The shots were filmed from her LA concert—the final stop on the US portion of Swift’s tour; the surprise songs were “Our Song” and “You’re on Your Own, Kid,” a fitting tribute to the diversity of genres Swift has explored throughout her career.
Although some were disappointed that a few songs from the setlist were removed from the film, the song choice demonstrated each of Swift’s eras magnificently and the crowd sang along blissfully to all their favorites.
Setlist:
Lover Era:
“Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince”
“Cruel Summer”
“The Man”
“You Need to Calm Down”
“Lover”
Fearless Era:
“Fearless”
“You Belong With Me”
“Love Story”
evermore Era:
“willow”
“marjorie”
“champagne problems”
“tolerate it”
reputation Era:
“…Ready for It?”
“Delicate”
“Don’t Blame Me”
“Look What You Made Me Do”
Speak Now Era:
“Enchanted”
Red Era:
“22”
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”
“I Knew You Were Trouble”
“All Too Well (10 Minute Version)”
folklore Era:
“the 1”
“betty”
“the last great american dynasty”
“august”
“illicit affairs”
“my tears ricochet”
1989 Era:
“Style”
“Blank Space”
“Shake It Off”
“Bad Blood”
Surprise Songs:
“Our Song” (guitar)
“You’re on Your Own, Kid” (piano)
Midnights Era:
“Lavender Haze”
“Anti-Hero”
“Midnight Rain”
“Vigilante Sh**”
“Bejeweled”
“Mastermind”
“Karma”
Swift’s vocals were consistently strong and pitch-accurate, and the choreography was seamless—both facets bolstered by the performances of her talented backup singers and dancers. Each era brought a different eye-catching outfit—from Lover’s glittery bodysuit to Fearless’ little gold dress, evermore’s ruffled frock to reputation’s short-and-long sleeved bodysuit, Speak Now’s pastel ballgown to Red’s lyric-emblazoned T-shirts, folklore’s flowing gown to 1989’s sequined two-piece set, the brightly-colored dress of the surprise set, and finally Midnights’ shirt dress cloaked by a fuzzy lavender coat.
A few highlights from the Eras Tour Movie experience echoed those from attending the concert in person. During the reputation set, the crowd sang giddily along with Swift during the transition from “Don’t Blame Me” to “Look What You Made Me Do.” Nearly every person in the audience chanted Kendrick Lamar’s “YOU FORGIVE, YOU FORGET, BUT YOU NEVER LET IT GO” line in “Bad Blood.” There were few dry eyes when Taylor gifted her Red hat to Bianka Bryant, the daughter of late basketball player Kobe Bryant, hugging her tightly before returning to center stage.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour is many things. It is a time capsule capturing Taylor Swift at her peak, an exhilarating entertainment experience, a gift to fans, and a smart business move all in one. As soon as its release was announced, the tour film was destined to succeed, especially due to its theater showings. It has something to offer anyone who is interested in Taylor Swift and remains entertaining through its long run time. Fortunate Swifties who snagged tickets to see the Eras Tour in person could re-live their experience through the film and those who were not able to go could live vicariously through the camera.
