Cinema Scholars reviews The Moment, directed by Aidan Zamiri and starring Charli XCX. A24 is releasing The Moment in theaters nationwide on February 6, 2026.
Introduction
I’m your average movie-reviewing Gen X gal. Aside from the unavoidable pop-tartlet that occasionally invades my feeds, I am becoming increasingly oblivious to the latest “icons” being pushed down our collective throats. But every once in a blue moon, a pop star transcends their persona and produces art that actually intrigues me. Enter Charli XCX.
Yes, I’ve been familiar with her since her hit song Boom Clap, yet I never really resonated with the singer. I felt like an old lady bystander in the whole “Brat Summer” phenomenon (that felt more like manufactured hype than a legit cultural moment). Leave it to the cinema to finally connect me with the subversive and provocative Charli XCX via Aidan Zamiri’s faux rock doc The Moment.
Synopsis
The Moment opens with a sweaty, frenetic music video featuring a gyrating Charli amid pulsating, strobing visuals. When an unseen director yells, “cut!” and the hypnotic sequence comes to a close, a vulnerable and exhausted pop star is revealed in the sudden silence. “Let’s go again,” the director orders as a breathless Charli hesitates, then agrees. This exchange sets the tone for the rest of the film – a talented ingenue being milked for everything she’s worth against her better judgment.
The story takes place at the height of the “Brat Summer” phenomenon with the success of Charli XCX’s 6th album, Brat. As with any juggernaut trend, her management team wants to keep the hype going far beyond summertime. The performer, however, is ready to move on to her next creative phase. When prep for a new arena show is commandeered by an insufferable, executive-approved director (Alexander Skarsgård), Charli must decide whether to stick to her creative guns or play the hype-machine game.
Discussion
Told in the now-familiar faux-verité style, the concept film jumps right into the non-stop schedule of a celebrity riding the wave of success. Personal appearances, performances, and partying provide a fascinating window into the non-stop life of the pop star.
While the glitz and glamour are to be expected, Zamiri counterbalances the head-spinning lifestyle with surprisingly funny and self-depracating moments that make the film accessible. From absurd scenes like Charli testing dance moves in a stage costume to a cringey conversation with a clueless driver, The Moment succeeds in endearing Charli XCX to the audience.
As she navigates the new paradigm of pleasing the higher-ups, The Moment turns into scathing commentary on the music industry and the pop culture industrial complex. Poking fun at random product endorsements and social media trends, even Kylie Jenner joins the fun in the cultural deconstruction. All the while, Charli struggles to find balance between the hamster wheel of success and maintains her artistic integrity.
Performances
Whether she is playing an alternate version of herself or a complete fabrication, Charlie XCX’s performance in The Moment is captivating nonetheless. Clearly not afraid to let her guard down on camera, XCX allows her “character” to be portrayed in a not-so-flattering light, both literally and figuratively. This vulnerability is as compelling onscreen as it is curious in a real-life context. Aside from the dramatic moments, Charlie is actually quite funny in the majority of the film. She displays clever comedic timing and understands the power of a good cringe at her expense.
Alexander Skarsgård absolutely nails his role as the entitled director Johannes. It makes you wonder if the actor has some first-hand experience with these kinds of antics…Whatever the case, Skarsgård is hilarious as the villain of the film. He leans into the “visionary director” trope in a way that teases without being too over-the-top. Skarsgård’s Johannes is most definitely a top contender for the ‘guy-you-love-to-hate’ in 2026.
Rosanna Arquette delights as a no-nonsense executive whose job is to prioritize the Brat brand over Charli’s artistic vision. With power bangs and nary a smile, Arquette exudes an all-business vibe that dominates in her shamefully sparse screen time.
Further Analysis
The Moment is a ballsy behind-the-scenes look at the struggles of a rising pop star that blurs the line between real life and dramatization. Is Charlie playing an alternate version of herself, or is the portrayal true to her real-life plight? Is the story based on actual experiences following the success of Brat, or is it complete fiction? While the answers to these questions might not be clear, the film itself is an entertaining ride-along with pop stardom.
Zamiri captures absurd and unexpectedly endearing situations that draw an interesting juxtaposition between person and persona. This funny and self-deprecating side of Charli XCX will no doubt earn her some new fans.
Conclusion
Aidan Zamiri brings us a captivating meta-mockumentary that blurs the line between reality and fiction to create an incredibly entertaining tale. Charli XCX skewers her own image as well as the machine that made her in this wildly self-reflective look at pop stardom.
A24 is releasing The Moment in theaters nationwide on February 6, 2026.
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