Charli XCX is making her acting debut in The Moment, an A24-backed mockumentary she co-created that satirizes the music industry pressures during her Brat era. Directed by Aidan Zamiri, the film features a star-studded cast including Kylie Jenner and Alexander Skarsgård, and is set for a theatrical release on January 30, 2026, following a premiere at Sundance. The official trailer highlights the fictionalized struggles of fame and innovation.
Overview
Charli XCX, the Grammy-winning artist behind the Brat album, steps into filmmaking with The Moment, produced through her company Studio365 and distributed by A24. The project stems from an original idea by Charli, portraying a fictionalized version of her navigating the highs and lows of stardom. Described as a 2024 period piece, it is not a traditional tour documentary or concert film but draws from the pressures of creating one, offering what Charli calls 'the realest depiction of the music industry that I’ve ever seen.' Her character represents 'sort of a hell version of myself.'
Plot and Style
The synopsis outlines a rising pop star preparing for her arena tour debut amid fame's complexities and industry demands. As a mockumentary, it satirizes the commodification of art, showing Charli at the peak of her Brat era—here depicted as her first major tour—with executives pushing brand extensions like a Brat-branded credit card and stage gimmicks, including a massive flaming lighter. The story explores the toll of maintaining relevance, as Charli grapples with exhaustion and identity loss. The tagline reads: 'A rising pop star navigates the complexities of fame and industry pressure while preparing for her arena tour debut.'
Cast and Crew
Directed and co-written by Aidan Zamiri, known for Charli's music videos like '360' and 'Guess' featuring Billie Eilish, the film is co-written by Bertie Brandes. The ensemble cast includes Kylie Jenner, Rachel Sennott, Kate Berlant, Alexander Skarsgård, Rosanna Arquette, Jamie Demetriou, Arielle Dombasle, Hailey Benton Gates, Trew Mullen, Mel Ottenberg, Richard Perez, Isaac Powell, Rish Shah, Tish Weinstock, Michael Workéyè, Shygirl, and A.G. Cook, who composes original music.
Release and Trailer
The Moment premieres at Sundance 2026 before hitting theaters on January 30, 2026. The official trailer, released in December 2025, captures rehearsal tensions and label demands, with Kylie Jenner advising, 'The second people are getting sick of you, that’s when you have to go even harder.' An October 2025 teaser featured a remixed 'I Love It' by Icona Pop over credits, warning of strobing lights.
