TL;DR
- Charli XCX is making a bold move into cinema with a new A24 film titled The Moment, which she conceived—and in which she stars.
- The film is framed as a mockumentary about a pop star preparing for her first headlining arena tour, navigating fame, industry pressure, and identity.
- Directed by Aidan Zamiri (in his feature debut) with co-writer Bertie Brandes, and scored by longtime collaborator A. G. Cook.
- Filming has begun in London, and the cast has expanded to include names like Alexander Skarsgård, Rosanna Arquette, Isaac Cole Powell, Kate Berlant, and Kylie Jenner.
What is The Moment — Concept, Tone & Narrative Direction?
The Moment is described as a mockumentary—a fictional, documentary-style take on the life of a pop star walking the tightrope between art and commerce. Charli XCX will play a version of herself: a rising artist facing scrutiny, expectations, and the weight of her own public image.
In a conversation with Vanity Fair, she called the project a “2024 period piece” and clarified that the film is neither a concert movie nor a pure documentary—it’s fiction, though deeply informed by her experiences in the music industry.
The plot centers on the period leading up to a pop artist’s first arena tour. In that light, the film is poised to explore themes of performance, identity, fandom, and the machinery behind musical stardom.
Who’s involved — Cast, Crew & Production Team
- Director: Aidan Zamiri (making his feature debut), who has previously worked with Charli on her music videos.
- Writers: Zamiri and Bertie Brandes turned Charli’s original idea into a screenplay.
- Music / Score: A. G. Cook, Charli’s longtime collaborator, will compose the score.
- Cast:
• Charli XCX (lead)
• Alexander Skarsgård, Rosanna Arquette, Isaac Cole Powell, Kate Berlant, Rish Shah, Jamie Demetriou
• Kylie Jenner is also confirmed, making her acting debut in the film.
• Supporting additions include Rachel Sennott, Shygirl, Arielle Dombasle, Hailey Benton Gates & more.
Production is backed by Charli’s own company Studio365 (in collaboration with 2AM via producer David Hinojosa) and will be distributed by A24.
Where & When it’s Filming — Updates & Logistics
Filming commenced in March 2025 in London, where much of the principal photography is taking place. According to reports, further scenes will shoot in additional locations, though exact sites haven’t been disclosed.
The production is described publicly as a “mockumentary” about the music industry’s inner workings, giving it room to oscillate between candid, stylized, and satirical tones.
What to Expect — Tone, Audience Appeal & Risks
Because The Moment is positioned between fiction and meta-commentary, its appeal might draw from both music fans and cinephiles. The mockumentary form invites comparisons to other satirical industry films, but with a very personal twist.
Strengths to watch:
- Authentic voice: Charli’s involvement in writing, producing, and starring suggests a strong personal imprint—this is not just a pop star cameo but a creative stake.
- Music + film synergy: With A. G. Cook providing the score, the film may lean heavily into musical texture in storytelling.
- Star chemistry & ensemble cast: The large, diverse cast gives room for dynamic interactions and tonal shifts.
Risks:
- Tone balance: Mockumentary + drama + satire is tricky to sustain; audience reception may depend on how well the shifts are handled.
- Audience expectation vs reality: Fans might expect a polished pop narrative, while the film may take more experimental/critical approaches to fame.
- Release timing & marketing: As a project that sits between music and film, its success may depend heavily on how well it’s framed and sold.
