Maggie Collins

Arts & Entertainment Editor

It’s safe to say that it’s almost impossible not to have heard about Taylor Swift in the last year. Starting in March, Swift embarked on The Eras Tour across the United States, taking fans through all her musical eras. The journey begins with her eponymous 2006 album, characterized by her curly hair, cowboy boots, and sundresses. Next was Fearless, released in 2008, which saw sparkly dresses replace the previous toned-down look, but the cowboy boots remained. Speak Now in 2010 was next. For this era, imagine big romantic dresses, lipstick, and her natural curly hair. In 2012, Swift released Red with a new look, including bright red lipstick, bangs, and high-waisted shorts.

Swift transitioned from country to pop with her 1989 era, which began with the album’s 2014 release. Her style also shifted to crop tops, high-waisted shorts, and a short new hairstyle. The following two stages of her career brought more dramatic changes, from the Reputation-era black outfits, dark lipstick, and snake imagery to Lover just two years later, which was colorful with all things pastel adorned with hearts and rainbows. The short span to 2020’s two releases, Folklore and Evermore, saw the brighter pop give way to mellower production and a gray-blue cottagecore aesthetic, then flannels, log cabins, and autumn colors, respectively.

The journey’s current stop is Swift’s Midnights era, which was groundbreaking for many of her fans with its indie-pop focus, dark blue colors, and iridescent sparkles. 

If you were in a similar situation to me, broke and in college but also a dedicated Swiftie, missing out on the Eras Tour was disappointing. The little girl who had yet to be in love but sang “You Belong with Me” and “Mean” into her hairbrush as if she had just gotten over a breakup was yearning to have this experience again. My love for Swift and her music has not wavered as I get older. She always brings music to life and puts feelings and everyday experiences into the perfect words.

I spent most nights looking at videos of her concerts and living vicariously through people I knew who were going. Eventually, I came to terms with my missed opportunity and accepted the fact. Knowing I couldn’t go, I spent many days thinking about what outfit I would wear and trying to guess the surprise songs she would sing at each concert. I eventually saw news of the concert film Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour and knew I had to go. 

Similar to the record-breaking chaos with ticket sales for the Eras Tour concerts, tickets to see the film sold at an unbelievable pace. Swift posted a short trailer on Aug. 31. Within the first 24 hours, AMC Entertainment’s presales reached over $26 million, and as of Sept. 15, total advanced ticket sales topped $65 million. This figure already has the film nearing the two top-grossing concert films of all time, and with estimated opening weekend figures approaching $100 million, it seems likely for Swift to take the top spot. The film will be playing across North America starting Oct. 13. 

After posting the trailer, Taylor stated on her Instagram, “The Eras Tour has been the most meaningful, electric experience of my life so far and I’m overjoyed to tell you that it’ll be coming to the big screen soon…Eras attire, friendship bracelets, singing and dancing encouraged.” Watching the film’s trailer gave me the same electric and meaningful experience she described. I hummed to all the songs and once again felt that little girl in me ready to relive her childhood dreams. 

As you have probably guessed, yes, I was one of the first people to get tickets for this film, as I refused to miss this opportunity again. Swift, without fail, added her special and unique touches, which undoubtedly permeate the film, to the ticket prices. Tickets for adults are $19.89 after her album of the same name, and children’s tickets are $13.13 after Swift’s favorite number.

Whether you’re a Swiftie at heart or just find yourself sometimes humming her catchy songs, being able to participate in such a memorable time in history is something that everyone should experience. I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. As Swift has encouraged, bring the crazy outfits, the friendship bracelets to trade, and your best singing voice and dance moves. I know I will.