‘The Moment’ Review: Charli XCX Mock-Doc Has Big Ideas, Little Laughs

The film opens with a rapid-fire series of flashing images: Charli XCX dancing and moving in a dimly lit space, with editing choices designed to be visually striking and energetic. Bright neon green flashes appear throughout – this captures the ‘Brat’ vibe. The scene quickly ends, leaving viewers wondering if Charli can maintain that level of energy. This question drives The Moment, a new mockumentary directed by Aidan Zamiri, developed from an idea by Charli XCX herself. While presented as footage from the weeks before her 2024 Brat Tour, the film playfully examines the pressures and ridiculousness of becoming a pop star.

The film is a smart and playful idea, similar in spirit to the mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap and the experimental film I’m Still Here, which it actually nods to. Charli XCX plays a version of herself, openly satirizing the absurdity of fame and her own part in it. While it doesn’t offer a harsh self-critique, the movie honestly explores the difficult balance of suddenly managing a huge, corporate system that often prioritizes profit over artistic integrity – even if that means sacrificing quality, treating fans like customers, and enabling problematic behavior. The film asks if Charli’s current, vibrant persona can last, if it should last, and if she has the power – and the desire – to ultimately change direction.

The film tackles big ideas in a thoughtful and intricate way, but surprisingly, it doesn’t deliver many laughs despite being a comedy. While there are a few amusing moments and one truly brilliant joke, the movie’s serious tone often clashes with its comedic style. At its best, the humor recalls the sharp political satire of shows like The Thick of It and Veep, especially in scenes featuring Charli’s overworked team. They’re constantly competing for attention and power as her career skyrockets after years of being on the verge of stardom. This is where the film truly shines, capturing the chaotic and inherently funny nature of trying to manage a cultural phenomenon.

A24

The film isn’t lacking in skill or intelligence—it’s directed by a talented music video director, and the cinematography is excellent. The main issue is that Charli doesn’t seem to have enough distance from the subject matter, which is understandable. In fact, some of the most interesting parts of the film come from Charli’s honest reflections on her own experiences. For example, her growing anxiety isn’t presented as simple self-pity. Instead, she acknowledges her own role in the situation, suggesting that the sudden pressure of becoming a central figure in pop culture was overwhelming and ultimately paralyzing—a problem when others depend on you. Instead of blaming external forces like her record label, the film identifies the core issue as Charli’s own inability to make decisions, constantly deferring to her team, who struggle to meet both her personal and professional expectations.

The movie is funniest when focusing on its supporting characters, brought to life by comedians like Kate Berlant and Jamie Demetriou. Smart casting choices also work well – Rosanna Arquette is a great fit as a record label executive, for example. The film also features fun cameos from celebrities playing themselves, like Rachel Sennott, Kylie Jenner, and Julia Fox. These appearances are enjoyable and sometimes funny, though they could have been even more impactful.

A24

What little humor exists in The Moment largely comes from Alexander Skarsgård’s performance as the documentarian filming the Brat Tour. While he’s done comedy before – remember Zoolander? – he’s really honed his skills. Now, he can be funny simply by his presence. He clearly understands how good he looks, and knows how ridiculous that can be, which is brilliant. His character’s questionable fashion choices, like the low-cut shirts and puka-shell necklaces, perfectly complement his terrible ideas and controlling behavior, which cause chaos for Charli and her friends.

MovieWeb Report: Subscribe and never miss what matters

Immerse yourself in the cinematic universe with the latest movie news, reviews, and exclusive content from MovieWeb.

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s

and

. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The character most impacted is Charli’s fictional best friend and creative director, Celeste, played by Hailey Benton Gates. Celeste is naturally funny and provides a good contrast to Charli, especially as Charli becomes more distant and annoyed by the pressures of fame. The widening gap between them is the emotional heart of the film, leading to a raw and honest scene where Charli shares her insecurities with Celeste. However, this moment, and the film overall, leans a little too heavily into sincerity, softening its potential for sharp satire. While this honesty is thoughtful and welcome, it ultimately makes the film feel more akin to documentaries like Taylor Swift’s Miss Americana or Beyoncé’s Homecoming – projects that explore self-image – rather than mockumentaries that playfully poke fun at it.

A24

Ultimately, The Moment feels like Charli XCX’s way of wrapping up her recent artistic phase, acknowledging it with both affection and a touch of sharpness while taking charge of how her story is told. It’s a clever, well-produced, and sometimes amusing film, but it often feels more like a calculated career move than a standalone artistic achievement. The fact that the film is about Charli herself helps to overcome any potential negativity associated with such a self-promotional project. What remains is a solid film that showcases Charli XCX as a captivating performer and thoughtful individual, though its main strength lies in its connection to her album rather than its merits as a film in its own right.

2026-01-29 23:49

MovieWeb Report: Subscribe and never miss what matters

Read More