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Review: Noah Kahan’s “Out of Body” is Honest, Vulnerable

There’s no shortage of documentaries about musicians out there, but Netflix’s newly released “Noah Kahan: Out of Body” feels like a warm hug for these current times. Whether you’re familiar with Noah Kahan’s music or not, this 94-minute film is a refreshingly intimate look at the singer-songwriter’s rapid rise to fame–and the struggles that come with it. 

Framed around the period Kahan was experiencing mounting pressure to record his second full-length album, The Great Divide, the documentary takes on a nostalgic tone and covers a lot of ground–from Kahan’s childhood in Stafford, Vermont and his humble musical beginnings of uploading songs on the internet, to the night his dreams came true when he played in front of a roaring sold-out Fenway Park. Interspersed with studio sessions and concert footage, the film surely makes the case that Kahan is a remarkably talented musician who has achieved massive success, but we get the feeling that this is less of a glossy vanity project and more of a behind-the-scenes portrait of Noah Kahan’s personal life. 

What makes the documentary so special is how honest and vulnerable Kahan comes across in it. In addition to touching upon some bouts of family dysfunction, he bravely opens up about his mental health battles with depression, anxiety and body image. In discussing these topics, it’s made clear that Kahan has inspired a legion of fans who not only love his music but also relate to his experiences and find comfort in his story. This all culminates in Kahan’s homecoming benefit concert for mental health advocacy, leaving you with a major sense of hope in humanity. 

The most quietly powerful scene in the documentary comes when a father and his young daughter, who is going through cancer treatment, are invited backstage to meet Kahan, and Kahan performs the girl’s favorite song (“Forever”) for her. It’s a moment that truly brought tears to my eyes. 

I also must mention the film’s vivid scenery throughout. We get many glimpses of Vermont’s seasonal landscapes, from the serene spring and summer lakes, to the woods bursting with beautiful autumn foliage, to the snowy fields of harsh winters, and I couldn’t help but think of Minnesota, and how there are a lot of significant similarities between the two states. 

I highly recommend grabbing your favorite snack, cozying up in a comfy spot in your home, and giving this one a watch!

“Noah Kahan: Out of Body” is available to stream on Netflix.

Zach Murphy is an avid enthusiast of cinema, theater and storytelling. He lives with his wonderful wife Kelly in St. Paul. You can read more reviews at his blog, Fade to Zach.


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