It’s the summer of 2024 and Charli XCX launches brat — arguably one of the most iconic pop albums in recent years. Its impact hasn’t faded; if anything, it’s grown louder, sharper, and more culturally embedded. I remember spotting the neon green brat posters plastered across the Tube and wondering what on earth it was. It was bold, abrasive, impossible to ignore. Like the rest of the world, I was instantly drawn in. The era gave us a new dimension of the so-called “party girl” – one that felt self-aware, chaotic, and strangely intimate.
Since brat, Charli has completely skyrocketed, evolving from pop disruptor to full-blown cultural persona. Her love of film has become increasingly visible — from sharing Letterboxd reviews on TikTok to starring in 100 Nights of Hero and composing for Wuthering Heights. So when The Moment was announced, it felt like the perfect collision of her cinematic interests and musical career. As a fan, I couldn’t wait.
Directed by long time collaborator Aidan Zamiri – best known for his visually striking music videos — The Moment marks his feature-length debut. It’s a daunting leap, but he handles it with confidence, delivering a film that feels playful, chaotic, and unexpectedly vulnerable. Shot in mockumentary style, the film nods to classics like This Is Spinal Tap, following Charli at the height of her career as she prepares for her arena tour debut.
What works best is how the film feels simultaneously authentic and completely absurd. Charli leans into an exaggerated version of herself, openly poking fun at her own persona without ego or self-protection – something many celebrities struggle to do. The packed cinema I watched it in erupted into laughter throughout. The film strikes an impressive balance between satire and sincerity.
It’s unmistakably “Charli-coded.” Long time fans will catch the references, the inside jokes, the hyper-pop absurdity. There are playful jabs at the hyper-polished theatricality of major pop tours – clearly parodying the grandeur associated with artists like Taylor Swift and Katy Perry – but it’s all done with affection rather than malice. The vibrant, chaotic intertitles mirror the brat aesthetic perfectly: loud, flashy, unapologetic.
The product placement is unapologetically blatant – Beats, Magnum, Aperol Spritz, Skims – and yet, somehow, it works. It feels intentional, almost satirical. The chaos is part of the joke.
The supporting cast is genuinely impressive. Rachel Sennott and Julia Fox appear as two of Charli’s friends, and their entrances earned audible excitement from the audience. A brief cameo from A.G. Cook feels like a gift to true fans. I only wish they’d been given more screen time. Kylie Jenner is an unexpected highlight – her appearance is short but genuinely funny, with surprisingly sharp comedic timing. It’s refreshing to see someone so associated with careful brand curation lean into silliness.
Alexander Skarsgård stands out as Johannes, the concert film director. As one of the few actors not playing a version of himself, he fully commits to the role. His deadpan absurdity is brilliant. Hailey Gates, as Charli’s creative director, brings a cool, controlled energy that plays perfectly against Skarsgård’s chaos. Their dynamic feels authentic and sharply observed.
Unsurprisingly, Charli herself is the standout. She moves between bravado, insecurity, absurdity, and vulnerability with impressive ease. There’s a moment toward the end that genuinely caught me off guard emotionally. When musicians transition to film, it can sometimes feel forced — but Charli proves she belongs on screen. She can act, and I’m excited to see where she goes next.
While the music featured is strong, I did find myself craving more brat. There are fewer tracks than expected, which feels like a slight missed opportunity. That said, the scene set to The Verve’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony” is beautifully executed and one of the film’s most striking moments.
Overall, The Moment feels like essential viewing for any Charli XCX fan. It’s funny, chaotic, self-aware, and unexpectedly touching — much like the artist herself. Charli continues to prove she’s not just a pop star, but one of the most compelling and versatile artists of her generation.
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