Noah Kahan: Out of Body Review

The opening moments of Noah Kahan’s documentary, Out of Body, immediately draw viewers in with a striking sense of place: Kahan’s Vermont hometown. From there, the film unfolds as an intimate exploration of how his life, creative process, and personal struggles shape both his music and identity. Vulnerability, family history, artistic pressure, and the search for meaning are all woven together, constructing a cohesive portrait of an artist navigating fame and self-discovery. The documentary builds a central argument: Kahan’s journey is defined by his persistent quest for connection and authenticity.

Kahan walks the audience through his childhood memories, introducing the people who currently live in his Vermont hometown. This rootedness is a recurring motif, shaping both his music and his inner conflicts. Early scenes reveal a subtle disconnect between artist and family, as his father casually notes, “and Noah sings a little bit.” These glimpses set the stage for the film’s personal honesty and the ongoing tension between privacy and public life.

Kahan discusses making music in his childhood bedroom as a way to create something personal amidst a busy family environment, contrasting private creativity with the public demands of his rising career. His rise as “a slow burn” highlights years of persistence and the impact of personal setbacks, such as the pandemic that forced him home and reignited his creative spark. Family ties and lived experience become central to his artistic growth.

Experimenting with TikTok, Kahan bridges the gap from private songwriting to sharing with a global audience. The documentary explores vulnerability not just through his social media presence but also by addressing body image, mental health, and the stigma of seeking help. Testimonials from people touched by Kahan’s Busyhead Project, as well as a cameo from Bernie Sanders, highlight how personal struggle can ripple into broader societal impact.

As his success grows, Kahan acknowledges the bittersweet pressure to recreate past achievements and faces anxiety about what comes next. The film transitions to the mounting expectations of Kahan’s career, capturing the emotional and creative toll of public life. This tension between ambition and rootedness forms the backbone of the documentary. Kahan’s reflections on Vermont versus Nashville deepen the exploration of sacrifice, homesickness, and the illusion that problems can be left behind by simply changing places. Family conversations about belonging and satisfaction reinforce the inseparable link between place and identity.

A particularly powerful moment comes in a candid exchange with his brother: “Do you ever worry that this is the peak?” This question threads through Kahan’s anxieties about performance and public reception. Self-doubt and creative pressure are recurring motifs, and Kahan’s confession about struggling to recapture earlier magic feels especially raw. The scene in which an old tweet projects his doubt at selling out Madison Square Garden, contrasted with him standing in the venue, having reached that milestone, is striking, encapsulating the tension between insecurity and achievement. These moments reinforce the film’s central message: vulnerability and perseverance define both Kahan’s identity and the universal challenge of artistic persistence.

The film does not shy away from Kahan’s long-term struggles with body image and self-esteem, revealing the complexities of fame, self-perception, and mental health. These personal moments are juxtaposed with scenes of public recognition, emphasising the tension between private pain and public persona. His honesty connects viewers to the roots of his music.

Kahan’s mother shares how his songs contain family “Easter eggs,” blurring the line between personal privacy and universal connection. The trauma of his father’s accident adds complexity to their relationship, introducing themes of loss, reconciliation, and forgiveness. Kahan admits wishing for a conversation to apologise for being judgmental, a depth echoed in scenes of them playing guitar together, highlighting the passage of time and enduring bonds. Family moments ground the film’s emotional stakes as Kahan reflects on missing loved ones and grappling with his role. The volatility of fame emerges as he shifts from career highs to quieter introspection. Scenes of Strafford residents reflecting on Kahan’s songs show his music’s wider resonance. A young fan’s testimony brings the narrative full circle, highlighting the bond between artist and audience.

Approaching the film’s conclusion, Kahan reflects on fate and the surreal experience of living out the dreams he had as a child. This return to his origins serves as a bookend to the film’s opening scenes, reminding viewers of both the fleeting nature of success and the enduring power of home. Five months after the high of performing, the documentary circles back to Kahan in the studio, where he admits, “I don’t know what the next thing is, and that’s scary… my mental health has never been as low as it has been the last three months of my life.” This vulnerable admission bridges exhilarating public moments with the quiet, often difficult aftermath of creative life.

The film’s final act centres on homecoming, whether through visits to mentors, plans to move back to Vermont, or the comfort of being with loved ones. Kahan’s reflections on belonging and the search for meaning beyond fame bring the narrative full circle. The closing scenes, with family on stage and home videos, reinforce the message that imperfection, honesty, and family bonds are what ultimately endure.

By the end of Out of Body, I found myself reflecting on my own creative journey and the moments in Kahan’s story that felt deeply familiar. One scene in particular, his vulnerable admission about the difficulty of the creative process, reminded me why I love art so much: it connects us and makes us feel seen. This documentary is especially impactful for anyone interested in music, mental health, or the winding path of artistic growth. It left me not only anticipating the release of The Great Divide but also appreciating how documenting one’s life through art can inspire others. I highly recommend watching this moving film.