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Parents' Guide to

Taylor Swift: Miss Americana

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Savvy docu with strong messages for girls; swearing.

Movie NR 2020 85 minutes
Taylor Swift: Miss Americana Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 12+

Based on 12 parent reviews

Goodforumkvies
Goodforumkvies Parent of 12-year-old
April 30, 2023
age 11+

Emotional documentary, has swearing, positive messages.

Parents need to know that MISS AMERICANA is a documentary on Taylor Swift and how she went through challenges when being a famous singer. There are many good messages for teens such as body image, independent and hard work, and political engagement. But keep in mind that Taylor isn’t shy about dropping some F-Bombs and S-Words. Some songs also include swearing, such as B**ch -mostly; so if parents think that language is a big issue they should wait until 13 years. But in my opinion, the language wasn't constant and I didn't feel bothered by it. Some themes porvide lots of discussion. There are emotionally intense scenes when Taylor receives many hurtful comments some shown in videos; some of the most hurtful ones are : “F—k Taylor swift” and “You suck b—ch”. Moderate social drinking is also present. I felt that the documentary could dig deeper, but overall, this is worth to see with young T.S fans.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much swearing
gossipgirl13
gossipgirl13 Parent of 11, 11 and 12-year-old
December 25, 2021
age 13+

Best movie ever!

Miss Americana is probably one of the best movies I have watched... ever. Taylor Swift's intimate documentary is incredible, it is heartbreaking at points, and most of all it focuses on feminism and girl empowerment. I gave this 13+ even though I wish everyone - especially girls - could see this movie. But realistically, parents will find issues with this. Language. Suggestive topics. And... language. Taylor Swift talks honestly about body image and sexism in the media, which is one of the reasons it's TV-MA. This movie is inspiring, beautifully filmed, and overall a great message for girls everywhere.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 12 parent reviews

What's the Story?

From its early scenes -- home movies of Taylor Swift at the piano as a little girl entertaining loved ones with brash self-confidence -- to its final moments showcasing a grown-up well on her way to activism and self-awareness, TAYLOR SWIFT: MISS AMERICANA tells a very personal story. Swift's voice and director Lana Wilson's camera take viewers into the singer-songwriter's happiest moments as well as to times of her greatest vulnerability and sadness. Multiple sequences show Swift's collaborative writing process, the thrill she derives from performing, and the setbacks that she's had to overcome. As Swift's story unfolds, audiences meet her supportive family, her musical team, and her adoring fans, as well as some who've delighted in exploiting her.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (12 ):
Kids say (41 ):

Swift's candid, unpretentious narration, as well as choice footage of her as a child, a teen, and a young woman, make this movie highly accessible for both fans and casual viewers. There's a lot to like in Taylor Swift: Miss Americana, especially for the girls who make up much of her international fan base. Swift talks directly to them. She describes the lessons she's learned, the successes she's had, the calamities she's lived through, and, most inspirationally, the hard work and resilience that it takes to rise above the heartbreaking challenges of growing up -- whether you're famous or not.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the intentions of documentaries: to inform, entertain, persuade, or inspire. Which category or categories best describe Taylor Swift: Miss Americana? Why?

  • Talk about the differences between "concert" movies and films like this one that show a musician's personal journey. Concert movies are prized because they bring shows to audiences everywhere. What benefits do fans receive from movies like this one? How did it affect your feelings about Swift?

  • What valuable character strengths (e.g., perseverance, courage) does Swift rely upon to achieve her goals? Pick one of those traits and show why it was important. In what ways, if any, is Swift a role model?

  • Do you agree with the filmmakers' choice to include profanity in the film? It's likely that the goal is to show their subject authentically, but what may result from that decision in terms of intended viewers?

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