Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour delivers a concert like experience for Swifties all over the world. Beautifully shot and well edited, it’s an incredible concert film.
I should probably preface this entire review by stating that I am a Swiftie, and have been for quite some time. I used to work in country radio and it just so happened that one day I met a young girl who wanted nothing more than for her music to be played on the radio. Her name? Taylor Alison Swift. Over the course of the next few years, I met her a few times. She was always the nicest, most humble, girl. She has since blown up, taking over the whole world, transcending genres, but one thing remains the same. She is still that grateful and loving human being who appreciates each and every one of her fans.
The Eras Tour, which spans 17 years of her music, is a global phenomenon that shows no signs of stopping. She travels the world, playing shows, night after night, that go on for more than three hours, and she gives every single one her her all. Tickets have been nearly impossible to get, with Swifties everywhere claiming they needed to survive the Great War in order to get them. So Taylor Swift, who always thinks of her fans first, gave those who couldn’t the next best thing — the Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour film.
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As someone who was lucky enough to not only attend The Ears Tour earlier this year, but to be on the floor, in the 13th row (fate, am I right?), I thought there was no way this concert film would deliver the same experience. What I didn’t expect was every single memory from that evening to come rushing back in a wave of emotions, causing tears, screams, and an adrenaline rush.
The majority of people attending the film are going to be Swifties, or at least casual fans of Ms. Taylor Alison Swift. So bring your friendship bracelets, dress in Eras Tour merch or go full out with an Era outfit, but most importantly sing along, scream the chants, dance in your seat, and just have fun connecting with other likeminded people. The world is a hateful place, and it isn’t getting any better, so being able to let go of all that stress and have fun is a gift that Taylor is giving us with this film.
While it might not be exactly like attending The Eras Tour IRL, it is just about as close as you can get. Honestly, you can’t beat that view! Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour gives fans a closer than front row experience. To see the joy on her face and know that she is truly having the time of her life up there, that is unbeatable.
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As the film goes on, it just gets better and better. Much like the Eras Tour itself. Taylor and her team have carefully selected songs from each of her Eras that work well together. The set pieces are amazing and well thought out. Weaved in between the songs of her set we get what feel like intimate moments, that Taylor Swift certainly included for her fans. We see her personality shine through as she acts silly during speeches, makes faces while performing, and has the time of her life. She has always loved and respected her fans, just as much as we love and respect her.
The concert film itself is incredibly well shot and well edited. There are views of the entire stage, which puts on a show itself. There are closeups of her dancers and the faces of those in the audience that are overwhelmed with emotions. The mixture of drones shots, stage robot shots, and cameraman shots perfectly come together to create an experience unlike anything else. The transition visuals from Era to Era are exciting, as they let the audience know which collection of songs are coming next.
It is a bummer that not every song can be included but putting that aside, what we do see is a great combination of different Eras, slow and fast songs, and choreography that just doesn’t quit. Her performances of every single song are unmatched. The vocals are on point, which is to be expected because she is a professional. She is a star. She is ridiculously talented. And Taylor Swift is an athlete. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.
For those who couldn’t get Eras Tour tickets, and for those who want to relive their magical Eras Tour evening, this is the ultimate fan experience that cannot be missed.
What Songs Are Cut From The Eras Tour Movie?
Fans immediately noticed the difference in the length of the movie’s runtime compared to the actual concert. While there are obviously longer transitions during a concert, a nearly thirty minute gap meant that some songs were going to be cut. If you don’t want to know which ones, skip ahead.
So which songs were cut from Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour movie? The Archer, from Taylor’s Lover Era, is the first one that is missing from the movie setlist. No Body, No Crime (featuring Hiam) replaced ‘Tis The Damn Season for the L.A. shows, which is when the concert was filmed because Hiam was opening for her. That too, did not make the cut. Also removed from the film were Taylor’s live performances of Cardigan and Wildest Dreams.
Probably the biggest heartbreak of all is Taylor Swift’s love letter to her fans, Long Live. This wasn’t added to the setlist until after the release of Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) meaning many Swifties missed out on hearing it live. It holds a personal place in my heart, as she talks about having children that will know her name. My two daughters absolutely know her name, and we all cried during her live performance as we were able to experience the night of our lives with her.
Fans who were hoping to hear it however, will be happy to know that it is the song that plays over the credits. Along with photos and videos of fans, and Taylor, at the tour. Lots of silly moments again, showing what fans lovingly called the Errors Tour when Taylor’s mic would not work or the piano was too soaked to play correctly. The credits, which are partly done in the style of friendship bracelets, something her fans make and trade for each other, show the love and dedication she has to her fans, her crew, her band, and her backup vocalists.
Which Surprise Songs Are In The Eras Tour Movie?
Taylor Swift recorded three nights of The Eras Tour in LA, which meant that there were six options for surprise songs. Fans will know that she plays two surprise songs during the acoustic set of The Eras Tour. One on guitar and one on piano. Below are the secret songs she performed during the recorded concerts.
Aug 3 in Los Angeles, CA – “I Can See You” and “Maroon” (Repeat)
Aug 4 in Los Angeles, CA – “Our Song” (Repeat) and “You Are In Love”
Aug 5 in Los Angeles, CA – “Death by a Thousand Cuts” (Repeat) and “You’re on Your Own, Kid” (Repeat)
So which ones made the cut? Our Song was pretty much a given so that her debut album, Taylor Swift, would be represented in the movie. This was heavily speculated and yes, it is one of the songs that is featured in The Eras Tour film. The other? You’re On Your Own Kid.
Fans thought it would be fun to have several different versions of the movie sent out across the world, allowing for a true surprise song yet. Considering that this article was written after the very first showing, we don’t yet know if that did or didn’t happen.
This isn’t the only time I will be seeing Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. I have tickets for two more showings already booked, and I might find myself going more than that. There is nothing quite like the safe space of enjoying a Taylor Swift concert, and while the movie isn’t the exact experience, it is pretty darn close.
Rating: 5 out of 5
NEXT: Eras Tour Surprise Songs: What’s Left For Taylor To Sing?
About Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour
The cultural phenomenon continues on the big screen! Immerse yourself in this once-in-a-lifetime concert film experience with a breathtaking, cinematic view of the history-making tour.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour is in theaters now.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She is also a Freelance Writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association and the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association.