Over this past weekend, I attended Sundance and watched the premiere of Miss Americana, the much-anticipated documentary that traces Taylor Swift’s life in the spotlight. I walked up to the theatre in a puffy red fur coat (paying tribute to “You Need to Calm Down”), and joined hundreds of fans and dedicated Swifties lined up for the film—while others were there just for a chance to see Taylor, even for a second. Everyone sang their favorite T-Swift songs at the top of their lungs. We were basically at a Taylor Swift concert, but without the many glowing bracelets and choreographed dance numbers. There was also no sign of Taylor (yet), but it didn’t matter because she connects so well to fans. Swifties feel like we know her because we’ve experienced her heartbreak, her success and have grown up right alongside her. She helps us through hard times and we hope to do the same for her. Her music gives us a way to express what we are feeling because her words help connect us to shared emotions.
The magic started when it was finally time to enter the theater. In the documentary, Taylor is unafraid and unapologetic. It covers her entire life, but mainly focuses on what she has gone through to make her the woman and performer she is today. As a dedicated fan, I was so proud to see her talk about serious issues like persoanl safety, sexual assault, equal rights for women and the LGBTQ+ community, body image and politics—all issues that take an important role in her own personal story of transformation. In the past, Taylor has kept topics like these private, but in Miss Americana she bares it all.
The director, Lana Wilson, spoke to how “raw and intimate” the experience of working on this documentary was, and it really shows in the finished product. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be on the verge of tears while you’re watching Miss Americana because it makes you realize what a huge impact Taylor Swift has made on your life. She truly is the most iconic storyteller of our generation.
In the theater, fans cheered and gave the film a much-deserved standing ovation. Taylor came out after the movie out for a quick interview. She was definitely proud of the project, and you could percieve that she was happy and relieved to open up to her fans in this new way. Watching Miss Americana made me love Taylor Swift even more than I already did. At the end of the day, she’s an ordinary girl who created an extraordinary world, and that’s why we love her.
I don’t want to spoil too much of the film, though it’s a must-watch. Watch it on Netflix Jan. 31, 2020.