Miss Americana

Documentary Review

Something about this documentary feels very familiar…and my hunch is that because Taylor Swift has already shared so much BTS footage with her fans (and I think she’s released a concert tour documentary before..?), this doesn’t feel like anything profound or new. But what this documentary does give us is an intimate look into some of the most controversial moments of her career, and how she was able to come out stronger because of it.

I found this documentary to be pretty captivating and intimate, and it was easy for me to watch the entire 2+ hours. For the people out there who have been touched or impacted by Taylor Swift’s music in any way, this documentary would be fun for you to watch as well! First of all, it’s easy to stay interested when you already feel an emotional connection to the artist. At points, I was giddy to see her song-making process and all of the BTS glimpses into her concerts and travels. And second of all, it’s intriguing to see how open and honest she is. If anything, this documentary convinces me that she is a thoughtful, smart, and talented young woman. She knows what the media expects of her and recognizes her own insecurities and weaknesses. To stand above that and to let her voice be heard ( a major theme in this documentary is about politics) speaks to her mental fortitude and capability as a woman who wants to use her platform in a positive way. In a small way, I feel like this documentary is a big marketing ploy for her new music, but it also makes a statement about how it is unfair to brand someone as “terrible” when we don’t truly know who they are. And as people under the constant spotlight, celebrities are constantly mislabeled and misunderstood. Good for her to keep working towards making music, doing what she loves, and breaking stereotypes. In the end, I enjoyed this documentary, but mostly because I have already been a fan of Taylor Swift.