Taylor Swift has been one of the biggest stars in the music industry since her debut album back in 2006. However, now it feels as though Swift has reached a whole new echelon of fame and success that we have never seen before. In “The Eras Tour,” Swift takes us on a journey through her career, spanning nearly two decades of classic hits and iconic songwriting.
Taylor Swift during the "Lover" era. Photo courtesy of Taylor Swift Productions
As a lifelong Swift fan, I have always felt a closeness to her. Either when it was in first grade and I was singing along to “Our Song” or when I was a sophomore in high school going through the “reputation” era, Swift has always been there. It was not until “The Eras Tour” that I realized I am far from the only one who feels the same way.
I went to “The Eras Tour” with my best friend and I was telling her while we were waiting in the long line to get one of the collectible “Eras Tour” cups, that I could not believe how many people were there. I went wearing my “Eras Tour” hoodie I got at the live show, but I was underdressed compared to many at the theater. It is not just that there were a lot of people, it is the fact that there are so many different age groups, costumes inspired by specific eras and lyrics and merchandise, that all felt like I had entered a Swift universe and then lived there for four hours.
The film feels almost exactly like the stadium experience. I saw “The Eras Tour” live when it came to MetLife Stadium on May 26 this year, and I felt like I was there again when watching the film. From the moment she comes on the stage performing “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince,” you get the exact same excitement as you would seeing her in person. During my theater-going experience, there was shrieking fans both young and old, screaming “TAYLOR!” or “I LOVE YOU!” like she was in the room with us. There were people dancing on the stairs around the seats, dancing in their seats and tons of people recording the screen like they were legitimately at the stadium show.
Swift during the "Lover" era. Photo courtesy of Taylor Swift Productions
Now, these disruptions in a theater can definitely be perceived as obnoxious or annoying but, here, it never felt that way. One of the overwhelming feelings I felt in the theater was genuine kindness and safety. I heard a group of young kids behind me exchanging friendship bracelets with another group of young kids and they were complimenting each other saying “You look so good!” or “I love your outfit.”
That made me realize that this is a reflection of the type of person Swift is and the ultimate message she wants to send with her fame. Swift’s fame and generosity knows no bounds. We must remember, “The Eras Tour” is the same tour where Swift gave each truck driver for the tour a $100,000 bonus with a personalized card written by her, delivered by her father.
Swift while singing "The Man." Photo courtesy of Taylor Swift Productions
This whole experience is so special because it gives everyone who did not have a chance to get tickets to the real thing, go to show and get an amazing view. As for the film itself, there is no wonder why Swift would want to put this on the big screen because it is a full on spectacle. It is breathtaking at times and incredibly cinematic.
Since each era has a different theme, seeing them close up and on this huge screen makes it more accessible and able to process and feel the differences between each era. Two of the loudest moments in my screening were during many of the big hits like “Blank Space” and “Love Story.” But thanks to Swift having a widespread catalog, it was that special intimacy you felt in the audience when she sang songs from “Folklore” and “Evermore” specifically that stood out to me.
Swift during the "Fearless" era. Photo courtesy of Taylor Swift Productions
The film is the must see event of the season. There are truly so many things to mention about how special this moment is, it is overwhelming. From the film itself, to the audience, to the outfits, the songs and the money involved, it is all so much. Swift does an absolute perfect job of recreating a stadium concert environment in a movie theater. The theater was like the “Church of Swift.” with the huge crowds of dedicated fans shouting and dancing throughout the almost three hour spectacle.
For a two hour and 48 minute film, it went incredibly fast. By the time the “Midnights” era came, the final era of the tour setlist, I was telling my friend I could not believe it was almost over. There were even songs from the setlist that Swift cut from the theatrical film. One of the cut songs, “Long Live,” ends up being played over the credits which perfectly closes the show out in the most Swift way possible.
Swift during the "1989" era. Photo courtesy of Taylor Swift Productions
Her fame, presence and impact are truly once in a lifetime. She transcends generations and touches the souls of what feels like more people than there are possible.
The “Eras Tour” film is like the Swiftie Super Bowl, times 100. As Swift sings in “Long Live,” “I said remember this moment…” and I will.
