Charli XCX continues to make waves at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival with her new film, “The Moment,” directed by Aidan Zamiri, who is making his feature debut. In this mockumentary, the pop superstar portrays a fictionalized version of herself as she navigates the complexities of preparing for a tour and the pressures that come with fame. The film explores the struggle between maintaining her artistic integrity and conforming to the expectations of a pop star, largely embodied by her interactions with the buzz-worthy director played by Alexander Skarsgård.
The central dilemma in “The Moment” revolves around the aftermath of Charli’s massive success from her previous project, “Brat Summer.” The film presents a humorous yet poignant exploration of whether to create more of the same club-friendly hits, venture into uncharted musical territory, or adapt to a more commercial sound proposed by Skarsgård’s character, whose influence threatens to dilute her brand. Her entourage is divided; her manager champions the new direction while her friend and tour designer, Celeste, portrayed by Hailey Benton Gates, feels sidelined by the shifting priorities.
Despite the film’s comedic intentions, Zamiri struggles to establish the central conflict, leading to a narrative that often lacks direction. It attempts to maintain a sense of urgency and humor through Charli’s hectic life, where she oscillates between rehearsing, dealing with anxiety, and unexpectedly escaping to Ibiza, where she encounters a rival in Kylie Jenner.
Visually, “The Moment” is marked by moody interiors and abrupt transitions that reflect the tense atmosphere of the entertainment industry. Skarsgård’s portrayal of Johannes, a corporate director with ulterior motives, adds layers of intrigue, as he crafts visually appealing tour concepts that compromise Charli’s artistic vision and alienate her creative friends.
While Celeste’s predicament hints at a deeper narrative of personal betrayal, the film often feels like it has lost its original intent, becoming entangled in its own mockumentary devices. Charli’s undeniable energy as a performer shines through in rehearsal scenes, complemented by a talented ensemble cast that includes Rachel Sennott and Kate Berlant. Unfortunately, as the storyline unfolds towards a flawed Brat-themed bank card promotion, the film struggles to deliver on its goals of clever comedy and meaningful artistic commentary, potentially leaving audiences wanting more from this intriguing exploration of celebrity culture.