Film Review – The Moment (2026)

      The Moment, 2026.

      Directed by Aidan Zamiri.

      Featuring Charli XCX, Alexander Skarsgård, Rosanna Arquette, Hailey Benton Gates, Jamie Demetriou, Rachel Sennott, Kate Berlant, Rish Shah, Kylie Jenner, Isaac Powell, Arielle Dombasle, Trew Mullen, Mel Ottenberg, Tish Weinstock, Julia Fox, Michael Workéyè, Shygirl, A. G. Cook, Francesca Faridany, Errol Barnett, Ben Castle-Gibb, Richard Perez, Riana Duce, James Bayes, Ethan Moorhouse, Phillipa Dunne, Alex Macqueen, Matthew Jacobs Morgan, Raymond Anum, Stephen Colbert, Zachary Hourihane, Anthony Fantano, Sarah Beck Mather, Diana Bovio, Alex Blake, Esh Alladi, and Simon Thorp.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A burgeoning pop star confronts the challenges of fame and industry expectations as she gears up for her debut arena tour.

      Occasionally, a celebrity reaches such heights that their persona and work resonate with an audience far beyond their intended demographic. Before watching co-writer/director Aidan Zamiri’s mockumentary, which straddles drama and satire, titled The Moment (co-written with Bertie Brandes and inspired by an original concept from Charli XCX), this critic was unfamiliar with Charli XCX or her artistic endeavors—aside from her fascination with cinema and her aim to break into that realm, whether through acting, projects like this, or soundtracks. However, the “brat summer” branding featuring a lime-green logo in 2024 was ubiquitous, particularly given the dance-pop artist's eagerness to spotlight filmmaking icons on her upcoming tour, something which many of her fans might not usually consider exploring.

      It's uncertain how long this surge in popularity will last or if there are any tips for maintaining fame, allowing it to fade gracefully, or navigating what comes after. When the film tackles these artistic pressures, The Moment succeeds, but unfortunately, not much else resonates, and those familiar with the musician won't gain deeper insight—beyond her party-loving lifestyle and occasional songs about cocaine.

      This isn't a suggestion that the filmmakers should have fully embraced comedy, though the interactions between Charli XCX as herself and the fictional director Johannes (played humorously by Alexander Skarsgård as a naïve prude who doesn't grasp her music, style, or branding) create a lively concert film. Johannes aims to make the show family-friendly, advocating for suitable attire and less jarring rave lighting (ironically, the film includes an epilepsy warning while still bombarding viewers with such visuals during the opening music video) and appears oblivious to the meaning behind her songs. This prompts Charli's close friend and assistant Celeste (Hailey Benton Gates) to incredulously question if he's aware that these songs revolve around cocaine.

      Part of what makes this exchange amusing is its introduction of Charli XCX to newcomers. However, the film often distances her from Johannes, allowing her moments in luxury resorts to reflect on her rapid rise to fame and how to maintain artistic authenticity during the tour. Although this celebrity conflict is intriguing, the film tends to drag and doesn't adequately reveal Charli XCX's identity or why viewers should engage beyond superficial aspects. There must be more depth to her than just partying and drugs; yet the film merely conveys her stress from fame and the effort she's put into shaping her brand—this is the extent of the takeaway.

      This frustration is compounded by Charli XCX's competence as an actress and her association with a talented cast (filled with recognizable names and cameos, though they seldom add significant value). While The Moment is not a dull film, it inadvertently squanders the opportunity to fully embrace its rising star. If her music revolves around excessive partying and drugs, it raises the question of why the film doesn't reflect that energy (which doesn't imply it has to revolve around those themes).

      There is a fleeting moment in the third act that illustrates how swiftly media perceptions of a celebrity can change following a single mistake, cleverly intertwining with a humorous scandal. While this isn't a groundbreaking insight, it is a scenario where drama and satire blend into something enjoyable. Unfortunately, a considerable portion of The Moment feels wasted and is frequently too passive and bland in its exploration of artistic challenges.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder