When I heard that the film for Taylor Swift's "reputation" tour would be released on Netflix, I was more than excited. I had missed seeing her live as I had been out of the country when she had been in New York, and this album had been one of my favorites of the year. Plus, I have always been a fan of her and her music, so this film gave me the chance to experience the concert myself!
First, this film revolves entirely around one show that she performed in Dallas, Texas—and that show only. It does not follow her entire journey for the "reputation" tour. Instead, the film is meant to present the concert as if you were there watching it live. Between the changes in camera angle and wide shots of impressive effects, the film allows the audience to absorb how incredible the show had been.
While some may find it a bit lengthy, coming in at just over two hours long, the film runs the duration of one of Taylor's concerts. Therefore, the film lasts as long as this particular show in Dallas lasted. The time whizzes past though, as Taylor has mastered the art of keeping spirits high and holding onto that buzz of energy as the night goes on.
If you haven't listened to "reputation," you definitely should (and I don't know why you haven't yet). The setlist contains most—if not all—the songs from the album, and I found myself singing along to my favorites while I watched the film. It was impossible not to. Many of her songs are genius and classic, and watching the film only made me fall back in love with her lyrics. Taylor even sings a few songs from earlier albums that you'll definitely recognize, and she makes sure to hit you with a wave of nostalgia as she breaks out her guitar for a couple of soothing tracks.
Overall, if you are a fan of Taylor Swift, I'd say you will be very pleased with how this film has turned out. It's like living the concert for the first time—or reliving it. If you are not a die-hard fan but consider yourself a casual listener, I'd still check it out. If you don't feel like sitting down to watch the entire concert, having it on in the background while doing other things could still be fun. But if you're not a fan of Taylor Swift or her music at all, I'd probably give this a pass—unless you're interested in giving her another shot, which I'd recommend.
