Taylor Swift’s ‘The Official Release Party of a Showgirl’ Earns Stellar Rotten Tomatoes Score
Taylor Swift’s new film event, The Official Release Party of a Showgirl, is making waves in theaters and online. Swift announced the project on September 19, describing it as a mix of an album release party, a special program, and a movie-musical event.
The limited theatrical release spans over 100 countries, starting from October 3 to 5 in eighteen territories, with other regions following later. The 89-minute film includes the music video for the lead single, The Fate of Ophelia, behind-the-scenes footage, lyric videos for the album’s tracks, and Swift’s own commentary on the songs.
According to Deadline Hollywood, the film pulled in $15 million in pre-sales within the first 24 hours. The numbers reportedly outpaced the first-day sales for her Eras Tour concert film across Vue International’s European locations and Cineworld theaters in Ireland and the UK. By October 4, the total box office had reached $15.8 million.
Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. CinemaScore gave the film an A+, and PostTrak reported that 93% of viewers responded positively, with 82% saying they would definitely recommend it.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score sits at 96%, based on over 500 verified ratings. Swift’s team and AMC Theatres estimate that the three-day event could earn between $28 million and $32 million domestically, with some projections approaching $35 million. Reports note that nearly 90% of Friday’s audience were female.
Swift kept the project mostly secret until the last moment, surprising distributors with her announcement on September 19 via social media. Tickets went on sale that same day at 12:12 local time for $12, reflecting her long-standing connection to the number 12, marking her 12th studio album. Premium screenings are priced higher.
The film itself is a mix of music videos, behind-the-scenes content, and lyric videos, anchored by the world premiere of the music video for The Fate of Ophelia, which Swift directed herself. Fans have praised the blend of visuals, music, and commentary, making it a unique theatrical experience.
Swift continues to find innovative ways to connect with her audience. Turning an album release into a cinematic event is bold and clearly resonating with fans, judging by the impressive pre-sales and audience ratings. What do you think about this creative approach? Share your thoughts in the comments.
