What Fans Can Expect From Taylor Swift's New Documentary

“American glory/Faded before me/Now I’m feeling hopeless,” a line from Taylor Swift’s song, “Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince,” sets the tone for her new documentary of the same name. “Miss Americana” is out now on Netflix and in it, fans can expect to see a raw, more vulnerable side of Swift than ever before.

The 85-minute film, directed by Lana Wilson, depicts the ups and downs of pop stardom. As noted by USA Today, it doesn’t shy away from some of the most painful moments of Swift’s life-- when fame almost consumes her.

Swift's fans often feel like they know her thanks to her constant social media presence — posting videos narrating the release of new songs or albums, or charming Instagrams of herself with her cats. This documentary goes deeper, delving into the behind the scenes struggles Swift has previously tried to hide from the public. With more than one scene of Swift crying, it illustrates for Swifties that behind the smiles, Grammy awards and sold-out concert tours, she is also a human being that has been forced to overcome intense criticism about both her career and physical appearance.

Her Eating Disorder

The trailer for “Miss Americana” opens with video footage of Swift getting ready to perform saying, “I’m just going to go have fun. No one out there that I know of in the audience actively hates me.”

She admits later in the film that she has battled a long fight with an eating disorder, starving herself just “a little bit” after paparazzi photos would surface that made her feel insecure.

Her Political Beliefs

Swift has been in the industry since she was 15. Now, at the age of 30, she has grown both personally and professionally and no longer hides her political beliefs. Wilson’s documentary sheds light on Swift’s decision to open up about her support of LGBTQIA rights and her disdain for Tennessee Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn, calling her “Trump in a wig.”

Her Mother's Battle

It’s no secret that Swift’s mother, Andrea Swift, has been undergoing treatment for breast cancer and was recently been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Swift opened up about the experience in her song “Soon You’ll Get Better” from her album "Lover," released last year. This documentary delves further into that struggle for a woman Taylor calls “her favorite person.”

Everything Else

For those wondering if this documentary is too heavy, don’t fret. There are still plenty of scenes of Swift cooing to her three cats, and a surprise appearance from her boyfriend, Joe Alwyn.