Rock ‘n’ Roll to the Comfort of the Screen: Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘GUTS World Tour’

With raw emotion and talent, Olivia Rodrigo is redefining what it means to be a modern pop sensation. Her evolution comes full circle with the release of her tour movie, “GUTS World Tour,” which showcases her explosive Los Angeles performance to fans around the world.

Olivia Rodrigo’s “GUTS World Tour” premiered on Netflix Oct. 29, offering fans an intimate, high-energy view of Rodrigo’s artistry from the comfort of their home. Filmed at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, the recording immerses viewers in the pulse of the show, complete with glittering lights, thunderous cheers, and Rodrigo’s heartfelt, powerhouse rock renditions of the songs. 

From her early days on Disney to selling out arenas for her GUTS tour — which earned her the title of Best Touring Artist of the Year from Billboard — Rodrigo’s rise exhibits how she became an established music industry powerhouse. 

Infused with Gen Z angst, introspective lyric and a touch of rockstar charisma, Rodrigo’s renditions pulse with raw emotion and infectious energy, making every moment feel alive and personal, bridging the gap between stage and screen.

Throughout the show, a vintage-styled projection reminiscent of old 1960s film reels adds a layer of nostalgia to Rodrigo’s performance. This aesthetic choice contrasts with the modern, high-definition cameras that broadcast the show blending classic storytelling with contemporary artistry.

The show abruptly opens with “bad idea, right?” setting a frenetic, rock-heavy atmosphere. Background dancers enhance Rodrigo’s raw, untamed delivery, exuding a youthful, unapologetic spirit.

“ballad of a homeschooled girl” is an explosive track where Rodrigo lets loose with quick, expressive dance movements. 

In “vampire,” Rodrigo transforms the stage into a haunting visual with deep red lights illustrating emotional wounds. With just a guitar and piano player beside her, the song captures an intimate shift to a somber tone.

Following the red atmosphere of “vampire,” Rodrigo switches to “traitor” from her first album, “SOUR.” The shadow of the dancers incorporate ballet-inspired moves across the stage, and the song ends with a thrilling guitar solo, giving the heartbreak anthem a fierce rock twist. 

During “driver’s license,” Rodrigo sits shrouded in fog and plays the piano, creating a dramatic contrast with its vintage-styled projection. Dim red lights on the bridge amplify the intensity of heartbreak. The film’s camera work gives fans an intimate view of the performance, transitioning smoothly between wide shots of the stage and close-ups of Rodrigo’s face. 

Panning to the crowd, the camera captures the collective excitement and emotional connection of the audience, channeling the concert’s vibrant energy directly through the screen.

Next, the singer introduces “teenage dream” with a message to her younger self about overcoming her fear of growing up. 

“By singing this song, I just want to tell my 18-year-old self not to worry and that she has no idea how many magical things are waiting just around the corner for her,” Rodrigo says. 

Accompanying the song are home videos of Rodrigo as a child. Intertwining childhood videos of her past self singing and dancing, “teenage dream” becomes a heartfelt tribute to Rodrigo’s evolution. 

The lights dwindle after the last line. In the video, Rodrigo’s mom asks 5-year-old Rodrigo if she’s ready for her first show.

“I just wanted to sing a little song to my friends and family over there,” the young Rodrigo says. 

During “pretty isn’t pretty,” Rodrigo wears a shiny black mesh dress while dancers in pink corsets carry mirrors, intensifying the song’s message of struggling with societal standards. 

Introducing “enough for you,” Rodrigo reflects on her first album, “SOUR.”

“The album changed my life in so many ways, and it is very near and dear to my heart,” Rodrigo says. “This is actually my personal favorite off of that album.”

The “lacy” performance’s melancholy tone is set by the soft, piano-driven instrumentals that create an intimate atmosphere. Rodrigo’s choice of attire — a sleek, all-black ensemble — contrasts with the dancers dressed in pastel pink, emphasizing the emotional gravity of the moment.

The camera work further amplifies the somber mood of “lacy,” frequently focusing on Rodrigo’s wistful expressions and capturing the vulnerability in the performance. 

After the somber rendition of “lacy,” Rodrigo expresses her gratitude for performing in Los Angeles. 

“We were in Europe for two and a half months and we got to do cool things,” Rodrigo says. “But it’s so good to be home and eat an In-N-Out burger.” 

Rodrigo then engaged the crowd by tweaking the bridge of “so american,” changing the lyric “but ain’t it love” to “are you in love?” 

In a surprise collaboration with Chappell Roan, she and Rodrigo sing “HOT TO GO,” dancing energetically as the crowd’s excitement buzzes through the screen. 

The concert’s finale is marked by five pop songs transformed into rock renditions. 

Through “brutal,” “obsessed” and “all american bitch,” Rodrigo blends pop with riot-grrrl aesthetics. The projected backdrop boasts newspaper cutouts and punk-themed prints of Rodrigo’s face — highlighting the rock-girl theme.

Rodrigo closes with “get him back,” holding a megaphone and engaging the crowd in a final, electrifying rock spectacle. As confetti cascades and Rodrigo expresses her love for the audience, she exits the stage, leaving fans charged from a night filled with both fiery and heartfelt moments.

“Olivia Rodrigo: Guts World Tour” is available to stream on Netflix.