Quartile rating: 7/10 · 1 rating
An intimate concert film, in which Taylor Swift performs each song from her album 'folklore' in order, as she reveals the meaning and the stories behind all 17 tracks for the very first time.
This intimate studio session documentary earns high marks for its cinematography — the muted, atmospheric visuals perfectly mirror folklore's aesthetic, with candlelit warmth and understated elegance. Swift's performances are genuinely compelling and the candid songwriting commentary adds depth, lifting the 'acting' (performance presence) above average. The concept of a stripped-back studio session film isn't entirely novel but the execution feels distinctly personal and cohesive with the album's identity. The 'plot' is minimal by design — it's a linear track-by-track walkthrough without dramatic arc. The ending is satisfying but unspectacular, closing on the final track without a dramatic resolution.