Movie Review: Taylor Swift Can’t Not Seem Calculated in “Miss Americana”

In her new Netflix doco, Swift seems to offer insight, but only up to a point.

When Netflix dropped the trailer for Miss Americana, it looked like we were finally going to get some real insight into pop megastar Taylor Swift’s world. Swift, who has always been notoriously private about her personal life, has received her fair share of criticism over the years. She’s been called disingenuous by press and "cancelled" on social media, and her recent feud with Scooter Braun only sparked more debate over whether the talented singer-songwriter is shady or not.

So, it seemed probable that Miss Americana would answer the burning question: Who is the "real" Taylor Swift? Except, Netflix’s new documentary only partly provides an answer.

Helmed by Emmy-winner Lana Wilson (After Tiller), the documentary follows the performer through her Reputation tour in early 2018 up until the release of her seventh studio album Lover. Wilson told The Wrap that she had gained unprecedented access to the singer during a transformative period of her life, particularly considering Swift had been abnormally silent while recording Reputation.

Yet, it doesn’t feel like Wilson’s access was unparalleled. If anything, it appears totally qualified, with Swift still in full control of her narrative.

In the opening scene, we see the star flick through one of her childhood diaries, on which she had written "my life, my career, my dream, my reality" at age 13. It is blindingly obvious that the performer has always been remarkably ambitious. Explaining early on that she’s routinely tried her hardest to be a "good girl", Swift admits that her belief system has always been predominately based on seeking approval from others.

Throughout the rest of the documentary, we’re privy to her recording sessions, backstage concert footage and authentic catchups with friends and family. There’s no doubt that fans will appreciate seeing this relatable side of the superstar. However, her pieces to camera frequently come across as constructed, in a possible effort to sell viewers on a more empowered and reflective version of Swift. It would have been more compelling for Wilson to explore why she has always felt the need to be viewed as amenable. The documentary never investigates how Swift was raised or whether her beliefs played a role in the formation of her infamous "squad" of supermodel girlfriends, which was slammed for being anti-feminist.

It’s when Swift discusses formative events like Kanye West interrupting her at the VMAs in 2009 that Miss Americana mostly comes across as superficial. Rightfully so, she highlights the traumatic impact the incident had on her. Except, while there’s no excusing West’s actions, she doesn’t consider what guided him to grab the mic, or issues surrounding lack of representation that he inelegantly tried to express.

Similarly, when the songwriter opens up about her past eating disorder and ongoing struggle with body image, the documentary shies away from delving into it. Wilson never presses Swift when the line of conversation becomes challenging, demonstrating the main problem with Miss Americana.

Despite its issues, there are still a number of endearing scenes. Watching Swift’s excitement in recording studios is genuinely uplifting and only further affirms her astounding songwriting abilities. Additionally, although the documentary lacks depth in places, it does seem to capture Swift finding her voice again. She speaks about her sexual assault trial with vast resilience and empathy, noting that if she didn’t have "all the privilege in the world" she might not have come out on top. When she decides to break her silence on political issues and post about a senatorial candidate she opposes, it’s undeniably a courageous and commercially risky decision.

Wilson’s documentary also effectively foregrounds the brutal nature of the music industry. Swift worries that, by 35, she may be discarded into an "elephant graveyard" because there’ll be younger and more beautiful acts emerging. It’s a harsh reality, and one that has evidently pervaded the singer's mind her whole career.

Yet, these moments aren't enough to save the doco from feeling overly selective. While Swift’s music is renowned for being honest and raw, Miss Americana never quite manages to replicate this level of sincerity. It leaves room for another, more emotionally complex documentary to be made, but that relies on a more vulnerable Taylor Swift being ready to share.

2.5/5

You can stream Miss Americana on Netflix. It's rated M for coarse language.