The Moment: Charli XCX leads A24’s film about fame
Introduction: Why The Moment matters
The Moment, an A24 film starring Charli XCX, arrives at a moment when portrayals of celebrity and the music industry are under close cultural scrutiny. The film’s focus — a rising pop star navigating fame and the pressures of preparing for an arena tour debut — makes it relevant to debates about mental health, media representation and the mechanics of modern pop stardom. With an established indie studio attached and a cast that bridges music, film and fashion, The Moment merits attention from both cinephiles and pop-culture audiences.
Main body
Production and creative team
Directed by Aidan Zamiri and written by Zamiri and Bertie Brandes, The Moment is based on an original idea by Charli XCX, who also stars. The project was reported in January 2025 when Charli XCX’s involvement was confirmed; the film later unveiled a fuller ensemble cast. A24 is listed as the film’s distributor, aligning The Moment with the studio’s recent reputation for distinctive, auteur-driven work.
Cast and premise
The cast includes Rosanna Arquette, Kate Berlant, Jamie Demetriou, Hailey Benton Gates, Isaac Cole Powell, Alexander Skarsgård, Rachel Sennott, Rish Shah and high-profile names such as Kylie Jenner. Other credited performers include Arielle Dombasle, Michael Workéyè, Trew Mullen and Mel Ottenberg. The narrative centres on a rising pop artist preparing for a major arena tour and the industry pressures that accompany such a leap in profile.
Festival launch and release
On 9 December 2025 it was announced that The Moment would have its world premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. The film is scheduled for release in the United States on 30 January 2026, marking a quick follow-up from its festival debut to public availability.
Early reception
Early critical responses have been mixed. One review described the film as “visually hypnotic yet curiously shallow,” noting a sense of “vacantness” and calling it a defanged reflection of a particular era. Such commentary suggests The Moment may provoke divided reactions, with some viewers praising its style and others critiquing its depth.
Conclusion: What to expect and why it matters
The Moment is likely to generate discussion at Sundance and beyond, largely because of Charli XCX’s creative role and the film’s subject matter. Its festival premiere and A24 backing give it visibility, while the ensemble cast broadens its appeal. Readers can expect The Moment to spark conversations about how mainstream cinema depicts contemporary fame, and to be judged on whether its visual ambitions match its thematic ambitions when it reaches wider audiences from 30 January 2026.
