Taylor Swift’s ‘The Official Release Party of a Showgirl’ Scores Big on Rotten Tomatoes With a Stellar Score

Taylor Swift’s latest film event, The Official Release Party of a Showgirl, is dominating both theaters and fan excitement.

Announced on September 19, Swift described it as a special “film event” celebrating her 12th studio album, Showgirl. The movie combines music videos, behind-the-scenes clips, lyric videos, and Swift’s commentary on the songs, with a world premiere of the lead single “The Fate of Ophelia,” which she directed herself. The total runtime is 89 minutes.

The event is a limited theatrical release spanning over 100 countries. In eighteen territories, it runs from October 3 to 5, with later dates elsewhere.

Netflix’s announcement was perfectly timed with Swift’s social media post, letting fans purchase tickets in advance for $12, a nod to her twelfth album, though premium screenings cost more.

Box office numbers are already impressive. Deadline Hollywood reported $15 million in pre-sales during the first 24 hours. By October 4, the film had grossed $15.8 million, and projections for the domestic weekend suggest a haul between $28 million and $32 million from 3,702 theaters, with some estimates approaching $35 million.

Audience feedback is glowing: CinemaScore gave it an A+, mirroring the response to Swift’s Eras Tour concert film, while PostTrak reported 93% positive ratings, with 82% of viewers saying they would definitely recommend it. On Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score sits at 96% based on over 500 verified reviews.

The demographic leans heavily female, with nearly 90% of Friday’s viewers identifying as women. The event’s three-day run follows a pattern Swift has perfected: creating anticipation, offering a mix of entertainment formats, and delivering a cinematic experience that ties closely to her music.

The combination of music, behind-the-scenes content, and Swift’s personal touch has turned Showgirl into more than a film, it’s a cultural event. The strategy seems to be paying off, as fans respond with overwhelming enthusiasm.

Swift continues to redefine how artists can connect with audiences beyond traditional album releases. By turning a release party into a cinematic experience, she creates excitement, builds community, and ensures her music reaches far beyond the streaming platforms. What do you think about this new approach? Share your thoughts in the comments.