Charli Xcx'S Wild Mockumentary 'The Moment' Sparks Buzz At Sundance

  • By Sophie
  • Jan. 27, 2026, 6 a.m.

The Buzz Around the Premiere

Charli XCX's mockumentary The Moment made a splash at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, pulling in mixed reactions from critics right from the start. This A24 production dives into the wild ride of fame that exploded after her 2024 Brat album, tracking her fictionalized journey leading up to a massive world tour. It's a clever twist on her real-life story, blending satire with personal vibes to keep fans hooked.

At 33, the singer – born Charlotte Aitchison – plays a version of herself, sharing the screen with big names like Kylie Jenner, Alexander Skarsgard, and Rosanna Arquette. The film captures that electric "Brat summer" craze from 2024, where her June album drop set social media on fire and sparked trends in neon green fashion and bold style choices. Everyone's chatting about how it turns her pop star life into pure entertainment gold.

Critical Takes on the Film

Reviews for The Moment are all over the map, with some critics loving Charli's charm while others call it a swing and a miss. The Hollywood Reporter labeled it as more fan service than laugh-out-loud funny, pointing out its niche appeal. One standout comment from a reviewer captured the vibe perfectly.

“The film is entertaining enough, at least for a bit, but it might have aimed higher to connect with a wider crowd instead of just feeding the fandom.”

Other outlets, like The Playlist, praised Charli's acting as "startlingly good," highlighting a "borderline heartbreaking" monologue that sticks with you. Meanwhile, Variety slammed it as "unconvincing," suggesting it needed more over-the-top satire to really land the laughs. Screen Rant went even harder, calling the whole thing "horribly misguided" and struggling to balance comedy with deeper character drama.

The Cast, Crew, and Soundtrack

The Moment boasts a lineup of talent that amps up its global appeal, from Hollywood heavyweights to rising stars. Alongside Charli, you get cameos from comedian Rachel Sennott, Jamie Demetriou of Stath Lets Flats fame, and French icon Arielle Dombasle, making it feel like a crossover hit spanning LA, London, and beyond.

The soundtrack, crafted by Charli's collaborator AG Cook, adds that signature Brat edge with pulsing beats and vibes. It's not just a film – it's a full cultural package that ties into her music world, keeping the energy high and the story moving.

Charli's Film Journey and Release Details

Charli XCX isn't new to the screen; last year, she dipped into acting with roles in films like Pete Ohs' Erupcja and Julia Jackman's 100 Nights Of Hero, showing her range beyond the mic. Screen Daily noted she "showcases her acting talent" in The Moment, though they called the film a "hit and miss affair" that fumbles with its mix of satire and soul-searching.

As for when you can catch it, The Moment hits US theaters on January 30, with UK and Irish audiences getting their turn from February 20. This release is set to stir up more talk across the globe, from LA red carpets to international fan circles, proving Charli's star power keeps on climbing.

Categories:
Sophie
Author: Sophie