The spotlight found Charli XCX, and it didn’t let go. Not after the seismic impact of her album, *Brat*, in 2024. What followed wasn’t just success, but a whirlwind – a chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly honest descent into the absurdity of fame. Now, she’s documenting it all, not with a traditional biography, but with a daringly self-aware mockumentary, *The Moment*.
The film throws you directly into the frenzy. Strobe lights flash, the beat of “365” pulsates, and Charli is a blur of energy on a photoshoot floor. Then, the curtain lifts on the backstage reality: a relentless schedule, a looming arena tour, and the constant, low-level panic that seems to define modern stardom. It’s a world where even a simple resort stay in Ibiza becomes a logistical nightmare.
Charli XCX isn’t just *in* this film; she *is* the film. Any previous doubts about her on-screen presence vanish. She commands attention with genuine charisma and, crucially, a willingness to laugh at herself. This self-deprecating humor is the engine that drives *The Moment*, making its observations feel sharp and relatable, even amidst the extravagance.
The film is expertly guided by director Aidan Zamiri, who captures the escalating chaos with a keen eye. It’s a world of frantic rehearsals, insistent record label executives – brilliantly portrayed by Rosanna Arquette – and a perpetually overwhelmed tour manager, played with exquisite awkwardness by Jamie Demetriou. He’s a man desperately trying to maintain control in a situation spiraling delightfully out of it.
Unexpected cameos add another layer of intrigue. Kylie Jenner appears, offering a surprisingly insightful piece of advice: when everyone is tired of you, that’s the time to push even harder. It’s a beautifully uncomfortable scene, a testament to the film’s commitment to showcasing the awkward, unglamorous truths of celebrity life.
Alexander Skarsgård delivers a memorable performance as Johannes, an inexplicably popular director brought on board to helm the concert film. He’s a figure of baffling contradictions – mainstream yet somehow cool, offering “opportunities” disguised as compromises. His deadpan delivery and offbeat suggestions provide some of the film’s most amusing moments.
But beneath the surface of the chaos, *The Moment* asks a subtle question: what happens when an era ends? Charli grapples with the pressure to prolong the “Brat summer” while simultaneously acknowledging its inevitable conclusion. The film serves as a definitive, if somewhat messy, farewell to that chapter of her career.
Ultimately, *The Moment* is a film that revels in its mockumentary form, stretching the boundaries of panic and Britishness to their absolute limits. It’s a captivating portrait of an artist navigating the complexities of fame, and Charli XCX is a remarkably game and entertaining subject. While it might resonate most deeply with her dedicated fans, it offers a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain for anyone curious about the strange, exhilarating world of modern pop stardom.
