Eras provides ‘swift’ cinematic fix for concertgoers who missed out on legendary experiencewee

November 1st, 2022, a groundbreaking day for Swifties worldwide. On this unforgettable day, the tour of their dreams was announced: Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour.” However, ticket troubles quickly replaced their initial excitement with newfound fear of missing out on what they thought was a once in a lifetime experience. 

Sam Wrench came to the rescue by directing a film version of the tour, appropriately titled Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. Since its premiere on October 12, fans have filled theaters worldwide to replicate the visceral rush of the concert and stitch the hearts back together of Swifties left empty-handed, those who never experienced Taylor’s essence in person. 

The Swifties are hushed as the lights die down and the room is suffocated by Taylor Swift’s booming voice saying, “Welcome to the Eras Tour!” The screen version offers a unique experience to fans, which makes up for Swift lacking presence in the flesh. On the screen, her facial expressions are clear, clearer than any video a fan took of her and experienced in the concert setting. Moreover, the camera is able to produce a clearer view of the stage and the little details remain on point. This new view allows the audience to appreciate Swift’s moves as well as her dazzling costumes.

When tasked with producing the Eras film, Wrench had a heavy burden to carry; angry Swifties are truly a nightmare to those that oppose them. To disappoint Swift’s immense fanbase, devotees who swoon over her every move, would be utter humiliation. Thankfully, the movie was put in good hands, as Wrench has already seen great success in capturing the aura of various concerts and translating it onto the big screen, including Lizzo for her Live in Concert film and Billie Eilish with Grammy-nominated Live at the O2. 

Had the Eras movie failed, Wrench’s pride would not be the only thing reaching unforeseen lows, but his pockets would be vastly dry as well. Swift’s success created an immaculate profit opportunity, thus the quality of it was top priority to Wrench. He was fortunate enough to have a $10-20 million budget, and was allowed to continue working amidst the SAG writing strike. 

To view the film, the average ticket price was set at $19.89, after her album 1989, which is nearly double the average price of movie tickets. Either way, many loyal Swifities sacrificed the twenty dollars in a heartbeat. In the first weekend alone, domestic ticket sales topped $95 million. Even those fortunate enough to attend the concert have still taken the opportunity to relive the moment in theaters, enjoying the experience as much as those witnessing it for the first time. 

In addition to the high revenue, other films have been intimidated by The Eras Tour release. Most notably, The Exorcist: Believer altered their original release date (which was October 13), and released the film a week earlier, on October 6, to avoid overlap with the highly anticipated concert film. 

Swift’s film features footage from the first three nights of Swift’s six-night run at SoFi stadium in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles venue allowed nearly 500,000 fans to attend live, about 84,000 per show. In the first weekend alone, about 4.8 million people attended the film. To extend the opportunity to Swift’s sizable audience is astonishing. Attending a concert with nearly 5 million people would be an undoubtedly overwhelming experience, and fans are filled with gratitude as they comfortably watch the Eras film with merchandised popcorn in hand.  

The original show is roughly three-hours long, giving each of Swift’s ten “eras” their time to shine. The setlist is 45 songs long, and Swift makes 13 costume changes to differentiate between the eras and pursue the vibe of each one individually. The movie, at 2 hours and 48 minutes long, stays relatively true to the in-person setlist. 

However, many fans may mourn the six songs the film cut six from Swift’s original set. Be warned, Swifties, SPOILERS COMING!!!!  Cut songs include “The Archer” from Lover, “Tis the D--n Season” from Evermore, “Long Live” from Speak Now (which gets tribute in the end credits), and the interlude of both “Seven” and “Cardigan” from Folklore. Fans were stunned by the removal of “Cardigan,”  which is an indisputable favorite, as the lead single and the most popular song on Folklore. The sixth cut song is another beloved one, “Wildest Dreams” from 1989. Still, Swift includes the two “surprise songs” from her August fifth concert: “Our song” and “You’re on your own kid”. There are no extra behind the scenes, although there is an entertaining blooper reel that plays during the end credits. 

Swift’s concert performance is breathtaking and the movie is comparatively stunning. For in person shows, she sings and dances for three hours without ever breaking pace– only taking breaks between Eras. Swift’s dedication and energy bleeds through the screen, and fans reciprocate even in the theater setting. In some locations, viewers are encouraged to get out of their seats and dance, as well as singing along to the well known lyrics. Swifties have taken full advantage, as they scream every word and dance to their favorite songs. 

Another Swiftie staple returns with the release of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour: the trading of friendship bracelets. This tradition is an ode to the lyric from “Your on your own kid”, which goes, “So make the friendship bracelets / Take the moment and taste it”. To elevate the experience, some theaters have a bracelet making station set up, so those who arrive empty handed can create their own bejeweled jewelry before taking their seats. Additionally, many fans treat the movie experience in a similar manner to the live concert itself, wearing intricate outfits to match a specific era, and chanting along with the filmed crowd. 

The environment Swift has created is beyond electrifying; it is truly unifying. Swift has been a prominent figure in the music industry for 16 years, and her fanbase embraces those of all ages: Moms attending with their children, while teenagers take the opportunity to go out with friends. Even those less familiar with Taylor Swift attended the Eras film to find out what the everlasting hype is about. Regardless, as long as Swift’s smiling face is on the screen before them, those in the theater are tied together by an invisible string, united by her stellar performance. 

The movie was met with critical acclaim, earning a 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. It was a box office sensation, and is already shattering records left and right. It’s no surprise, especially considering the concert itself is a worldwide phenomenon that has received great praise.

Between ingenious directing, the loyal fanbase, and the diligent Swift herself, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour has seen great success. Fans who were unable to see her perform live now feel “just one single glimpse of relief” as their desire to witness the beloved “Eras Tour '' has been fulfilled. The setting is almost as intimate as the live experience, and Swift once again leaves fans in awe with her breathtaking performance. While the film will not be immediately available on streaming services, there is hope that in the foreseeable future people will be able to enjoy the Eras film from the comfort of their homes. In the meantime, the theaters will remain packed with enthusiastic audiences of affectionate Swifties. 

Grade: A

Blurb: Fans wanted an all-inclusive concert experience and Swift did not disappoint! The electrifying energy translates effortlessly into the film setting, and “wonderstruck” audiences are enchanted by the intimate Eras Tour film. 

by Chloe Lusvardi & Jazmine Blustin

Published October 30 2023

Oshkosh West Index Volume 120 Issue II