Charli XCX is a British pop singer-songwriter with a Grammy-winning “Brat” album, her sixth studio album. Of course, her adoring fans know this, but anyone interested in learning more about her by watching the film “The Moment” will likely leave disappointed or not very impressed. It has its moments.
The Moment is not a concert film. Writer-director Aidan Zamiri’s film, co-written by Bertie Brandes, stars Charli XCX as a fictionalized version of herself, billed as a comedy, drama, mockumentary, and thriller/psychological thriller. It does have limited humor, plenty of drama, but I do not recall viewing scenes that are “thrillers,” – but someone else seemed to have deemed them so. I have seen several films about musicians in several genres, the stress and drama of the industry, but this film is a mockumentary after all. The comedy comes more from satire in various scenes; some are funny, others are boring.
In this script, Charli XCX is on a high after her Grammy win for the “Brat” album with a slimy green cover. A plan is in the works for a world tour to keep the momentum going. Charlie is quite tired and in need of some downtime, so she relies on her best friend and main creative collaborator, Celeste (Hailey Benton Gates), as a “go-to” for others seeking answers about the production, etc.
Decisions have already been made by the Atlantic Records executive, Tammy (Rosanna Arquette). She has contracted Johannes (Alexander Skarsgård) as the director of Charli’s Amazon concert film. I don’t recall who the powers that be are, but in the mockumentary, Charli must promote a Brat-branded credit card. Those in charge of this promo have identified a specific demographic to target with this card in the fanbase. Cue the drama.
Charli’s lack of rest and additional stress from the clash between Celeste and Johannes cause her to disappear suddenly. What she expects to be helpful from her escape is everything else, only to find overwhelming chaos upon her return. What can an artist expect when they have a business in the music industry and don’t want to partake in the business?
The rated R film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. It opens in limited theaters on February 5, 2026, and nationwide on February 6th.
Source: A24