Prepare to be shocked: "The Moment" isn't the Charli XCX concert film you expect, and it might just change the way you see her BRAT era forever. Sold as a lighthearted mockumentary about the pop star's tour, this Sundance premiere takes a dramatic, unexpected turn, offering a glimpse into an alternate reality where fear, not confidence, dictates Charli's artistic choices. Is this a bold artistic statement, or a risky gamble with her legacy?
Forget the non-stop laughs and dazzling performances you might anticipate. While the marketing might lead you to believe you're in for a behind-the-scenes comedy, "The Moment" is something far more complex. It only hints at the tour, and the music is relegated to the opening credits. Instead, director Aidan Zamiri delivers a dramatic reimagining – a "what if?" scenario where the pressure of maintaining superstardom leads Charli down a drastically different path.
The film initially sets the stage as advertised. We see Charli (played by Charlotte Emma Aitchison herself) preparing for the BRAT tour, fresh off the heels of her self-produced album's massive success. We're introduced to her inner circle: manager Tim (Jamie Demetriou), social media guru Lloyd (Isaac Powell), and assistant Ana (Trew Mullen). There's even a playful Vogue segment where Interview Magazine's Mel Ottenberg hilariously struggles to fit her into a corset, promising a lighthearted romp.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Back in London, the record label, Atlantic, is buzzing. Tammy (Patricia Arquette), the American boss, is laser-focused on a lucrative credit card partnership and a concert movie. The UK team has already tapped Joannes (Alexander Skarsgård, unsettlingly perfect), a director known for commercial hits, to helm the project – without Charli's input. When Charli arrives at rehearsals and encounters Celeste (Hailey Benton Gates), the creative force behind the BRAT aesthetic (inspired by the real-life Jonny Kingsbury), tensions begin to rise.
Joannes's arrival sparks a clash between Celeste, the record company, and Charli herself. The film, while sprinkled with humor, slowly transforms into a pressure cooker of anxiety and difficult decisions. The real-life BRAT tour placed Celeste's creative vision front and center. However, "The Moment" subverts this narrative, exploring the potential downsides of fame and the pressure to maintain a carefully crafted image. This Charli grapples with the fear of losing everything she's worked for, haunted by the possibility of a career crash.
And this is the part most people miss...
Yes, there are comedic interludes! Rachel Sennott hilariously plays a version of herself, bumping into Charli at a Paris after-party, and Kylie Jenner cleverly pokes fun at her own public persona. However, these moments are fleeting. For the most part, the supporting characters amplify Charli's anxiety. Even her makeup artist, Molly (Kate Berlant, criminally underused), becomes a source of stress. Celeste stands out as the only genuine friend, trying to keep Charli grounded, regardless of the personal cost.
Without giving away too much, the film culminates in a powerful monologue delivered by Aitchison. This fictional Charli justifies her shocking actions, choices that would undoubtedly send shockwaves through her fanbase and the music industry. Her performance is remarkably convincing, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Is this "The Moment" the title alludes to – the point where everything changes?
The fact that Aitchison signed off on this script raises some serious questions. Even if presented as fiction, it invites speculation. Is the deceptive manager, Tim, based on a past relationship? Does Charli harbor genuine resentment towards her record label, despite her chart success? Does she ever feel as isolated as the character she portrays? Were there times when she felt she couldn't trust anyone? (Notably, this version of Charli lacks the support of a long-term partner).
It goes without saying that Zamiri and Aitchison have taken a huge risk with "The Moment." The film challenges the established narrative of the BRAT era and potentially impacts Charli's relationship with her devoted fanbase. While the film might be slightly overlong and could benefit from more consistent humor, it ultimately succeeds in leaving a lasting impression. Aitchison's compelling performance is unforgettable, and for an artist deeply invested in the history of cinema, that's perhaps the highest achievement. [B]
What do you think? Is "The Moment" a brave exploration of the pressures of fame, or a misstep that could tarnish the BRAT legacy? Could this film open up a new dialogue on artistic control and the music industry? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Follow along for all of our coverage from the 2026 Sundance Film Festival here. (https://theplaylist.net/tag/sundance-film-festival/)
Follow Gregory Ellwood on Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/gregoryellwood.bsky.social)
Follow Gregory Ellwood on Threads (https://www.threads.com/@gregoryellwood)
Follow Gregory Ellwood on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/gregoryellwood/)
Sign Up For The Breakdown Newsletter (https://theplaylist.net/newsletter/)
