The Guts World Tour has taken pop punk princess Olivia Rodrigo through sold out arenas across the globe. But as of Oct. 29, fans can experience the tour from their living room.
The Guts World tour concert film, now on Netflix, is a blessing to the die-hard fans who didn’t get the chance to see the tour in person. However, elements of the rockumentary, in both the content and filming of the concert, may leave fans underwhelmed.
Rodrigo’s dramatic delivery, amazing voice, and heartfelt lyricism were present in every performance. The variety of songs were a testament to her range. But the overall performance was hindered by the order of the setlist.
Rodrigo performed an equal number of break up ballads and rock songs, but that’s not what it felt like. Most rock songs were crammed into the beginning and end of the concert, letting the middle drag. Any time a high tempo song like “Love is Embarrassing” got the concert moving again, a soul crushing number like “Making the Bed” would send any momentum to a screeching halt. What didn’t help was, while the rock songs usually involved choreography and new elements, the ballads included Rodrigo sitting, standing, laying, and walking around slowly while she sang songs note for note as she would in the studio.
In person, this format did not hinder audience experience. Being up close and personal to Rodrigo made every moment hit, as evidenced by the constant camera cuts to crying fans. Kaitlyn Salvi, who attended the concert in person in Portland, recalled, “I saw this one girl … whose entire makeup was just smeared because she cried so much”. But the audience at home, who experiences greater disconnect from Rodrigo, is left twiddling their thumbs as they await the next rock song.
This disconnect is further accentuated by the camera work. The camera cuts to different angles every two seconds, taking the at home audience out of any intimate moments.
The highlight of the concert was easily Rodrigo’s all-female band. The group made the rock songs hit harder than they ever could in the studio. For much of the show, drummer Hayley Bronwell had a more commanding stage presence than Rodrigo herself. The chemistry between Rodrigo and her band was palpable and created many of the best moments in the show.
Salvi cites the song “Obsessed” as the best moment in the show, and this is evident for the at home viewer as well. The energy from the band, the audience, and Rodrigo is palpable. Salvi fondly remembers Rodrigos choreography. “I was like, ‘get into it girl!’” Salvi said. It’s worth watching the concert just for that song alone.
Despite some flaws,the concert film is a more than worthy watch for her fans. You can find GUTS World Tour on Netflix today.
