Taylor Swift’s 2020 Netflix documentary, Miss Americana, captured the singer’s transformative journey but notably excluded a detailed portrayal of her then-boyfriend, Joe Alwyn. The decision, as explained by filmmaker Lana Wilson, stemmed from a desire to maintain the privacy of their relationship and focus on Swift’s personal and professional evolution.
The Filmmaker’s Perspective
“It Felt Disrespectful and weird.”
In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Wilson revealed that including Alwyn in the documentary “never occurred to [her] in a strange way.” She emphasized that Swift was “going through something so profound and powerful” at the time that it overshadowed any focus on her romantic relationships.
Themes Beyond Romance
Wilson clarified that the documentary’s themes revolved around Swift’s personal growth, her battles with public scrutiny, and her activism. Highlighting her relationship with Alwyn, she felt, was unnecessary and unrelated to these overarching narratives.
A Private Connection
Swift’s Approach to Privacy
While Swift briefly spoke about Alwyn in the film and was shown writing songs inspired by their relationship, their connection remained largely private. Wilson explained her choice not to delve deeper, stating, “Because her relationships have been through the microscope, I didn’t really have any interest in filming that.”
Swift was also shown writing songs about him.GC Images
A Subtle Inclusion
Alwyn made only a brief appearance in Miss Americana. Wilson admitted she met him “until the very end” of the production, underscoring how their romance stayed away from the camera lens.
From Private to Public Love
A Shift in Publicity
Swift and Alwyn’s relationship, which began in 2016, was marked by its private nature. However, following their 2023 breakup, Swift’s subsequent relationships, including her ongoing romance with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, have been more public.
Kelce in the Spotlight
Unlike Alwyn, Kelce has embraced the public’s interest in their relationship. The NFL star frequently mentions Swift on his New Heights podcast, and the couple has made numerous high-profile appearances together, including Thanksgiving celebrations with both families.
The Evolution of Swift’s Lyrics
Swift’s musical storytelling has also reflected her changing relationships. In her song “Karma,” she altered lyrics referencing Alwyn as “the guy on the screen coming straight home to [her]” to celebrating “the guy on the Chiefs” instead, marking her current chapter with Kelce.
Conclusion
The omission of Joe Alwyn from Miss Americana was a deliberate choice, reflecting Swift’s preference for privacy in that chapter of her life. Now, with her relationship with Travis Kelce taking a more public turn, Swift continues to navigate her personal life under the spotlight while staying true to her artistic expression.
