Review: Noah Kahan: Out of Body

Written by Molly Kaplow

Photo courtesy of Rolling Stone

Noah Kahan: Out of Body arrived on Netflix this April, offering more than just a glimpse into the folk artist’s  rapid rise—it’s an unfiltered look at the emotional weight that comes with it. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re missing one of the most honest music documentaries in recent memory. Since the start of his professional career with his release of the single “Young Blood” in 2017, Kahan has been open about his struggles with mental health. Through his emotionally honest discography, he quickly became a beacon of light and support for young adults with similar struggles.

Just one of many examples, his EP, Cape Elizabeth, was released in the heat of the pandemic in May of 2020, providing an artistic outlet during a time of significant mental health decline throughout the United States. Songs such as “Glue Myself Shut” and “A Troubled Mind” invited the world to share in his story of coping with overwhelming and all-consuming anxiety–a pandemic in and of itself. 

I was lucky enough to attend the premiere of his documentary at South by Southwest (SXSW) in March, sitting just rows behind the artist himself. It was immediately evident the impact this film has on him, processing the fear of being incredibly vulnerable and interpreting the audience’s response. I watched people laugh and cry, relating in their own ways to the story of a young man trying to find himself through music. 

Kahan’s retelling of his childhood in Strafford, Vermont, his parents’ divorce, his father’s traumatic brain injury, and balancing a growing career while struggling internally, emphasized the idea that music is the universal language. With over 29 million listeners on Spotify alone, his songs have been interpreted in thousands of different ways by audiences of all ages and backgrounds. I can only speak from my personal experience; I haven’t lived through much of what he writes about, but his music has become a comforting reassurance that we don’t have to struggle in silence. Music allows us to connect our own stories and experiences with no boundaries. 

The documentary itself is directed, produced, and edited with a beautiful rhythm and powerful storytelling strategy. The inclusion of interviews with residents of his hometown enhances the audience’s understanding of his childhood, visually demonstrating the stark difference between the quiet atmosphere of Vermont and the bustling, fast-paced nature of life in the entertainment industry. 

While there are multiple scenes about his writing process and music production, much of the film revolves around his family, returning to his hometown, and personal mental health challenges. In comparison to other artist-based documentaries, this film had a much more personal feel while not being too invasive. His family is formally introduced, helping viewers better understand the familial relationship and dynamics he alludes to in his music. Stories were shared about their struggles together and as individuals, while a level of privacy still remained. 

The complex layers of Kahan’s career and background are peeled back, reminding the audience that celebrities are no more than humans–they have flaws, make mistakes, and experience insecurities. Kahan’s raw emotions are shared, opening up about overwhelming struggles with body dysmorphia and severe anxiety. He is admirably modest and grateful, while being a walking lesson that obstacles do not hinder success.

While it would be easy, and overly done, to make the film appear as a victorious celebration of earned stardom, “Out of Body” does just the opposite–it reveals the internal dilemma that comes with fame and the fear of returning to the spotlight after a first success. The documentary follows Kahan as he asks himself questions we as humans may all find ourselves asking: Are people sick of me? What if I fail? Is it all downhill from here? And just like any human, he doesn’t have the answers. But his persistence and ability to create and release his art regardless of not knowing the outcome is an inspiration to viewers.

Noah Kahan’s story is far from over. He is a multifaceted and true artist, breaking the boundaries of sharing stigmatic concepts and setting precedents for future artists to increase vulnerability. “Out of Body” only shows the beginning, and I know I speak for many when I say I can’t wait to see what’s next.