By Mahnoosh Arsalan
Staff Writer
Sweat, tears, boiler room sets and drugs, the summer of 2024 was a significant time for the pop music scene, thanks to Charli XCX’s monumental album “BRAT.” The record-breaking album had listeners in a chokehold for an entire summer and still has a cult following almost two years later.
In honor of this colossal success, Charli XCX and her “BRAT” marketer Aidan Zamiri, also known for marketing film-sensation “Marty Supreme,” created “The Moment,” a “BRAT” inspired tale of a pop sensation preparing for an arena tour.
“The Moment” follows Charli XCX’s post-album fame and the sudden push into the spotlight. The audience observes her as she faces difficulties such as venue lighting and how to stay relevant in the music industry. Ultimately, she woefully yet humorously captures the idea that this industry is not for the faint of heart, and that holding the star title is more gore than glamour.
Charli XCX is surrounded by an incompetent and uncommunicative crew, with just one friend, Celeste, who truly understands her. Celeste, portrayed by Hailey Gates, sympathizes with her and is the driving force behind the success of her potential tour. Her and Celeste’s plans for the tour come to a screeching halt when members of their team bring in world-renowned director Johannes to create a film documentary for the concert. His subtle force engulfs the entire production of the tour, creating a complete mess within Charli XCX’s life.
Johannes, played by Alexander Skarsgård, is a force to be reckoned with. His lack of self awareness causes him to have a very manipulative edge throughout the film. Charli XCX is susceptible to his manipulation due to her own insecurities in the spotlight, which shine through more and more as the film progresses.
Charli XCX creates a very interesting portrayal of diffidence in this film. Through her interactions with other celebrities, the audience is able to see just how vulnerable she is. She runs into comedian Rachel Sennott in a club bathroom and internet-star Kylie Jenner at a hotel. The tension and awkwardness of both scenes evoke a feeling of pity and discomfort in the audience. Charli XCX visibly shrinks in those interactions, reminding herself of her severe imposter syndrome in the industry.
Charli XCX also faces a severe power struggle through her self-doubt. In addition to her extremely hard-to-deal-with team, she cannot make a decision for herself. After being put in such a high position due to the success of her album, the newfound faith and responsibility her team has thrown onto her is bound to shake her a little. She highlights this in the film, exploring that when making her album, no one cared what she did or when she did it. Now, with the sudden success, every second of every day is spent talking with a team on how to keep “BRAT” alive.
“The Moment” includes a daft plot-twist towards the end, adding onto Charli XCX’s ongoing battle with herself and her team. This twist had been subtly foreshadowed towards the beginning of the film, yet still felt bizarre and unexpected. This epiphanic moment shifts the tone of the movie and enlightens her to what her next steps in life should be, bringing the film to a close.
Charli XCX and Zamiri are a class act. Their collaboration on “BRAT” and “The Moment” have been groundbreaking, creating a uniquely loved pop album. Telling the tale of its impact on the woman behind it is intelligent and admirable.
All said, the moment has to pass at some point, and this final team-up was the best way to do it. With Charli XCX’s latest film endeavors, expect to see her back on the silver screen soon. In select theaters with limited showtimes, watch “The Moment” while you still can!
