Charli xcx relives The Moment

Britpop performer Charli xcx seizes The Moment to make a cinematic statement about show business. Charlotte Aitchison from Essex first signed a recording contract in 2010, but despite several hit singles, it took her years to explode with a “Boom Clap.” Her sixth studio album brat became a phenomenon in 2024 and Charli took home three Grammy Awards at the 67th annual ceremony.

Her real-life journey into the record's success came with challenges and it took five months of development to settle on the specific color of green for the cover. A major plot point in The Moment is the stress and anxiety that comes with making snap decisions, which may potentially have long term affects her career.

The Moment is a mockumentary set in 2024 during a brat summer where Charli's record is taking off around the globe. Plans for an arena tour in support of the music are underway and Charli struggles to maintain her sanity under the pressure of the music business.

The manufactured drama amps up as her creative director, played by Hailey Gates, constantly clashes with concert director Alexander Skarsgård. Conflicts arise from the team who try every trick in the book while Charli tries to maintain a minimal concept of the show as her vision.

Taking a vacation in the middle of the mess makes the situation worse and upon returning to work, Charli does her best to pick up the pieces to salvage what is left.

The film offers glimpses of the real person behind the makeup with full acknowledgement that a camera is in the room. It's a smart move by writer/director Aidan Zamiri to keep the real xcx vague and unpredictable.

Charli is not known for smiling and she gives a dry delivery to the material that hits the right notes. This approach of not knowing where the line is between her genuine personality and her alter ego drives this vehicle forward.

While still not a household name, Charli is bothered in one scene to have to explain who she is to her driver. There are many awkward introductions and uncomfortable conversations in a variety of settings throughout The Moment.

Charli xcx is known for her constant collaborations and the brat remix record is a direct result of the relationships she has built over the years. Half the fun is looking for the surprise guest stars wrestling each other for screen time over the course of 103 minutes.

Alexander Skarsgård's comedic skills shine better here than in his hosting gig on the recent Saturday Night Live episode. Arielle Dombasle is magnetic as Maria, the masseuse, and Kylie Jenner rubs it right in as a spoiled spa patron.

Broadway in Chicago's Stereophonic is playing at CIBC at the same time across town and also gives a fictional, behind-the-scenes account of musicians, but at a slow tempo full of lengthy pauses. The Moment doesn't stop moving at a frenetic pace, which serves to stir up nervousness in viewers and keep them guessing about what will happen.

The Moment is a mix of styles and genres that will energize longtime fans and possibly earn new brat-angels. Charli xcx's brat era has come and gone, but the remnants and compulsion to top it remain.

As a promotion, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema offered themed cocktails and select food items tied to Charli's catalogue. Take a sip of the Everything Is Romantic rosé or munch on the Bumpin' That 365 Churro Popcorn while supplies last. Find up-to-date information at drafthouse.com.

The company also hosted a live talkback with two of the writers, Zamiri and xcx, held in New York after the screening on February 3. The duo moderated each other with questions and Aidan commented on his photography background being valuable for the shoot. The Scottish director's previous music video work with Charli xcx can be seen in her 2024 songs “Guess” and “360.”

Look for The Moment's limited release on January 30 and listen to xcx on the Wuthering Heights soundtrack out now.