Noah Kahan writes and sings songs that make listeners feel like they are inside his mind — relatable, honest, and raw — his new Netflix documentary, Noah Kahan: Out of Body, is no different.
Kahan opens up about how lonely and isolated he felt as an aspiring singer-songwriter in his small hometown of Strafford, Vermont. However, that all changed during the pandemic when his music went viral on TikTok, and in 2022, he released his third album, Stick Season. He went from being an unknown singer-songwriter to one of the most-listened-to musicians in the world almost overnight. After his sudden rise in popularity, he went on to perform internationally at sold-out stadiums until 2024, when he finally returned to Vermont while searching for inspiration for his newest album, The Great Divide.
Rather than celebrating those incredible achievements, Noah Kahan: Out of Body authentically reveals Kahan’s personal struggles with mental health, body dysmorphia, and family issues.
The film dives into the quieter, more intimate moments that shed light on challenges that go beyond his music. We see Kahan laughing with his family in his childhood home, an emotional scene of Kahan playing guitar with his dad, and breaking down in tears while being vulnerable about his mental health struggles. Together, these moments provide viewers with a holistic view of Kahan that goes deeper than his music alone.
One of the most powerful scenes is when Kahan is backstage before his show at Fenway Park with 14-year-old Zuza Beine, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Through tears, she explains how his music has gotten her through the ups and downs of her treatment. Kahan goes on to play her favorite song, Forever, just minutes before going on stage to perform it for the sold-out stadium.
In another truly genuine moment, Kahan admits, “I think people think because I can describe something painful that I’m able to get through something painful.” This message is so important because of his honesty. This specific scene ends with him quietly saying, “It's waking up every day and trying.” Although Kahan has endured so much pain, his reliance is evident. He has worked diligently on himself and his relationships, which is prominent throughout the film. By the end, viewers get the full perspective, the happy, the sad, and the hopeful. Each scene and moment displays the issues that matter most to Kahan and the messages he wants to convey to the world.