Charli XCX Stars in Mockumentary The Moment at Sundance

Charli XCX stars as a fictional version of herself in The Moment, a mockumentary film that follows the pressures of sudden fame in the music world. Directed by Aidan Zamiri, the movie had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, and will hit theaters across the United States on January 30 through A24.

Background

Charli XCX rose to new heights in 2024 with her album Brat. The record brought her widespread attention, turning her into a major pop star. Fans knew her for years of strong music, but Brat made her a household name. Brands jumped on the trend, and her summer became known as 'Brat summer.'

During her Sweat tour in September 2024, Charli sent a message to Aidan Zamiri, her collaborator who directed the music video for her song '360' from Brat. That message sparked the idea for the film. Zamiri called it 'word vomit,' like a diary entry about reaching the top and what that felt like as a person. He and writer Bertie Brandes turned it into a script in just a few months, with input from Charli.

In January 2025, news came out that Charli had joined the cast. She produces the film under her Studio365 banner, along with David Hinojosa from 2AM. A24 handles distribution. Charli described the movie as a '2024 period piece.' She said the seed came from pressure to make a tour documentary, but it turned into fiction that shows the music industry in a real way.

The film marks a shift for Charli from music to acting. She has two movies at Sundance this year, including this one and Gregg Araki's sex comedy I Want Your Sex.

Key Details

The Moment follows a lightly fictionalized Charli during tour prep at the peak of Brat's success. The story shows how fame takes over. Brand deals pop up everywhere, from Starface to Aperol and Beats. Logos appear on screen, mixed with production company names. Deals happen without her full control, like selling concert film rights to Amazon Music.

Her character works with creative director Celeste, played by Hailey Benton Gates, on tour visuals. But then a director named Johannes, played by Alexander Skarsgård, steps in with ideas she does not like. He gets called out for past work like The Masked Singer. Things get chaotic as the tour turns into a mess controlled by outside forces.

The cast includes Rosanna Arquette, Kate Berlant, Jamie Demetriou, Isaac Powell, Rachel Sennott, and Kylie Jenner in a cameo. Jenner plays a heightened version of herself. In one scene at an Ibiza retreat, she tells Charli's character to push harder when fame feels too much.

Filming and Charli's Experience

Shooting felt demanding for Charli. The script finished in ten days. She played a version of herself that tapped into extreme parts of her personality she usually hides. The character is not the real Charli, but one that could exist in different circumstances.

Charli said it made her feel vulnerable. She had to draw a line between her real self and the film's version. The movie looks at the music industry's dark sides, like how artists control their image through shots, edits, and product placement, but reality hits hard.

“It felt very vulnerable because I tapped into the most extreme parts of my personality that sometimes I feel the need to hide and diminish,” Charli said. “It’s scary to admit you feel like that.”

Aidan Zamiri focused on flipping the form of a mockumentary. The film mixes satire with real industry critiques. It shows highs and lows: one minute on top of the world, the next feeling worthless.

The official trailer shows snippets of tension. Charli's character questions 'Brat summer,' calls things cringe, and deals with label pressures to keep it going. Brand cards flash, and frustration builds.

What This Means

The Moment gives a look inside modern fame, especially for pop stars like Charli. It highlights how brands and deals can take over an artist's work. Once culture grabs hold, control slips away. The film questions what happens when niche appeal turns mainstream.

For Charli, this project builds on Brat's success. It lets her explore acting while commenting on her own rise. Fans see a side of the industry they rarely get. The quick script and production show how fast ideas can turn into films when tied to hot cultural moments.

Sundance debut puts it in front of film buyers and critics. A24's release means wide theater access soon. Charli's dual films at the festival signal more screen work ahead. The mockumentary style mixes humor with sharp points on volatility in music.

Viewers get a fictional take rooted in real events. It captures 2024's energy, from viral dances to political nods. Charli's character navigates spon-con, or sponsored content, in a world where subtlety is gone. Brands get special thanks in credits, underscoring the theme.

The film stands as one of the first to tackle these fame mechanics head-on. It pairs laughs with unease, showing tour prep swallowed by external forces. Charli's input makes it personal, even as fiction. Release on January 30 lets audiences judge for themselves.