Charli xcx’s new film The Moment arrives as a satirical mockumentary exploring the aftermath of her 2024 album Brat. Directed by Aidan Zamiri and co-written with Bertie Brandes, the project blends comedy, industry critique, and fandom indulgence. While it offers flashes of sharp humor, the film ultimately feels muddled, caught between spoof and self-serious reflection.
Between Brat and the Tour
Rather than documenting the chaos of “Brat Summer” or the album’s world tour, The Moment focuses on the quieter months in between. Charli is shown navigating meetings, branding deals, and creative clashes as she processes her sudden cultural dominance. The film positions her as both a participant in and a critic of the commercialization of stardom.
Satire of Stardom and Branding
Early scenes lean into absurd comedy. Charli is made to promote a fictional Brat-branded credit card, aimed at her young, queer fanbase. The gag highlights the relentless monetization of pop culture, though the film treats corporate creep as an inevitability rather than a battle worth fighting. Alexander Skarsgård appears as a pompous director hired to reshape Charli’s tour visuals, clashing with her creative partner, played by Hailey Benton Gates. These moments deliver laughs but lose steam as the film progresses.
A Shift Toward Seriousness
As the narrative unfolds, The Moment shifts from satire to earnest reflection. Charli’s sunglasses-clad retreats and introspective monologues tilt the film toward hagiography, echoing the tone of traditional music documentaries. The balance between parody and sincerity never fully lands, leaving the film at cross purposes.
For Fans More Than Casual Viewers
For devoted Charli xcx fans, The Moment offers a nostalgic look at the Brat era and a playful extension of her artistic persona. For casual viewers, however, the film may feel inaccessible, assuming familiarity with the cultural phenomenon it seeks to lampoon. Ultimately, The Moment is entertaining in parts but too self-conscious to fully embrace its comedic potential. It praises Brat while simultaneously burying it, serving as supplemental material for fans rather than a standalone cultural document.
