Hadley, Massachusetts – Taylor Swift fans gathered at movie theaters across the country on Friday night to experience her Eras Tour concert film. For many fans like Zoe King and her family, it was a chance to relive the concert they couldn’t attend in person. Zoe’s father, Pat, purchased tickets for the screening after struggling to find affordable concert tickets. The King family’s enthusiasm mirrors that of other fans, as Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour is projected to potentially earn $100 million at the domestic box office this weekend.

The diverse audience at the movie screenings consists of fans who witnessed the Eras Tour live and want to relive the experience, those who were unable to attend the concert, and even supportive parents. With an A+ CinemaScore and a perfect critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, the concert film has been well-received. Some screenings felt more like a live concert than a movie, with fans singing along, dancing, and donning outfits inspired by Swift’s different eras. One fan even carried an illuminated globe as a tribute to Swift’s Evermore album.

The concert film captures the intimate essence of Swift’s live performance, impressing even seasoned cineastes like M. Douglas Silverstein, a director who has filmed concerts for artists such as Green Day and Willie Nelson. AMC theaters, the mega-theater chain distributing the film, encouraged theme attire and friendship bracelets, while also permitting selfie-taking. However, they urged guests not to dance on seats or block others’ views and prohibited recording of the film.

While some screenings were more subdued and had open seats, others were packed with enthusiastic fans. For many attendees, this was their first time back in a movie theater since the onset of the pandemic. It provided a special and communal experience, a break from the routine of watching movies at home. The excitement, shouting, singing, and clapping in the theater created a sense of togetherness.

To Swift’s devoted fans, the concert film is an opportunity to indulge in their love for the artist. Their support, combined with positive reviews and strong box office projections, solidify Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour as a blockbuster success.

-Inspired by the original article, written by Madeline Castillo and Pamela McClintock.