The Moment

R Jan 30, 2026 Music · A breezy 103 minutes that prioritizes style over substance.
Mixed reception
6.1/10
IMDb
53
53/100
Metacritic
3.43/5
Letterboxd
🎬
6.3/10
TMDB
Rewatch
one and done
Attention
half watch ok
Phone-check
medium

The brief

Charli XCX basically plays herself in this sleek but surface-level look at pop stardom that feels more like an extended music video than a proper character study. The arena concert sequences pulse with authentic energy, but Zamiri gets too caught up in glossy aesthetics to dig into anything meaningful about fame or artistic compromise. Skarsgård does his best as a slimy industry type, though the script gives him little to work with beyond familiar music biz clichés. Perfect for Charli fans who want to see her on the big screen, but anyone hoping for A Star Is Born-level emotional depth should look elsewhere.

glossy pop stardom neon-soaked aesthetics industry cynicism arena spectacle surface-level drama music video energy

The verdict

If you're a Charli XCX fan who wants to see her charisma translated to film with stunning concert visuals, this delivers exactly what you'd expect. If you're looking for substantial drama or meaningful insights into pop stardom beyond the surface glamour, you'll find this more style than substance.

Watch with

  • 👥 Charli XCX fans craving big screen glamour
  • ⚠️ Those wanting deeper character study

Heads up

  • Industry pressure and manipulation themes (moderate)
  • Brief substance use in party scenes (brief)

Credits

Director
Aidan Zamiri
Cast
Charli xcx, Alexander Skarsgård, Rosanna Arquette, Hailey Benton Gates, Jamie Demetriou, Rachel Sennott, Kate Berlant
Official synopsis

A rising pop sensation navigates fame and industry pressures while preparing for her arena tour debut, revealing

The Double

Make a night of it
Poster for Walk the Line

Pair this with Walk the Line (2005)

Both explore music stardom's pressures and personal costs beautifully.

Total runtime: 1h 43m + 2h 16m = 3h 59m

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