Miss Americana

Directed by Lana Wilson

Rating: 🔥 that’s hot

Think you know everything there is to know about Taylor Swift? Think again. This poetically raw documentary pulls back the curtain and gives the audience a glimpse into what it’s really like to be one of the most successful women in the music industry.

This documentary… I would be lying if I said that I didn’t cry and relate to her story in so many ways. Obviously, I am not rich, or famous, or critically acclaimed for my talents. But I am also not publicly demonized when I speak my mind, and not shamed by the media for my appearance and lifestyle. While I may not be experiencing the blessings and curses that come with superstardom like Taylor Swift, I think that all women can relate to her experiences. Find a woman who has never had her appearance negatively commented on without solicitation. Find a woman who has never been referred to condescendingly as stupid when she voiced her political opinions. Find a woman who has never felt that it was easier to silence herself rather than open herself up to possible criticism. I’ll wait… Swift’s struggles are universal, and while these experiences are by no means only limited to women, they are intrinsically layered into our patriarchal society. 

It’s clear that director Lana Wilson’s mission was to show the heart behind Swift’s newfound political voice, and she accomplishes this goal. We see the struggle in Swift’s dichotomy of wanting to be liked yet needing to speak her mind. Much of the documentary is centered around Swift’s creative process and we get to watch the life cycle of writing a song. For all my creatives out there, this is a really fun process to experience as a fly on the wall of Swift’s recording studio. Regardless of your level of knowledge about this acclaimed singer-songwriter, Miss Americana is a documentary about so much more than just music. Miss Americana is now streaming on Netflix.

Review written by Zianna Weston