Charli XCX and A24 Team Up for "The Moment": A Mockumentary Redefining Pop Stardom

In January 2026, audiences will be introduced to "The Moment, "a mockumentary drama from A24 that blurs the lines between fiction and reality, starring global pop icon Charli XCX. The film, directed by Aidan Zamiri and co-written with Bertie Brandes, is structured around a pop star preparing for her first major arena headlining tour. Rather than serving as a conventional tour documentary, "The Moment"reimagines the pop music narrative, delving deeply into the emotional and psychological landscape that comes with stardom in the 21st century .

The genesis of "The Moment"can be traced back to September 2024, during Charli XCX’s "Sweat"concert tour. In a candid message to collaborator Aidan Zamiri—later described by Zamiri as a kind of "diary entry"—Charli reflected on the emotional aftermath of nearly achieving all her career ambitions. This honest, unfiltered communication became the seed for the film’s storyline, exploring the tension between personal fulfillment and the relentless expectations of the music industry .

Zamiri and Brandes, with Charli XCX’s input, completed the screenplay within months. Charli XCX was not only cast in the leading role but also took on a production role through her company Studio365, alongside David Hinojosa of 2AM. The film was acquired for distribution by A24, a studio known for boundary-pushing, independent cinema .

Charli XCX has described "The Moment"as “a 2024 period piece, ” emphasizing that it is neither a standard tour documentary nor a concert film, but instead a fictional work inspired by the idea of being pressured to create such a documentary. She stated, "It's fiction, but it's the realest depiction of the music industry that I've ever seen" . Director Zamiri added that the film explores an alternate reality in which Charli makes “entirely different choices” surrounding her acclaimed sixth studio album, "Brat" .

"The Moment"features a notably diverse cast, including Alexander Skarsgård, Rosanna Arquette, Isaac Cole Powell, Kate Berlant, Rish Shah, Jamie Demetriou, Trew Mullen, Kylie Jenner, Rachel Sennott, Arielle Dombasle, Hailey Benton Gates, Mel Ottenberg, Richard Perez, Tish Weinstock, Michael Workéyè, Shygirl, and A. G. Cook, who also composed the score .

Charli XCX, known for her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and for fostering inclusive spaces within her music and public persona, brings this commitment to the film. The casting of LGBTQ+ artists like Shygirl and Isaac Cole Powell, as well as the inclusion of creators from a spectrum of backgrounds, positions "The Moment"as reflective of the diversity and complexity of contemporary pop culture .

The mockumentary format allows for a self-aware, critical exploration of gender, sexuality, and fame—topics that resonate deeply within LGBTQ+ communities. Charli XCX’s own artistic narrative often references queer subcultures, and her collaboration with A. G. Cook further cements the film’s credibility and relevance in these circles .

Principal photography for "The Moment"began in March 2025 in London, with the city’s vibrant arts scene providing a dynamic backdrop for the film’s exploration of celebrity culture . Charli XCX has described her character as “sort of a hell version of myself, ” suggesting a narrative that is both intensely personal and stylized. Alexander Skarsgård’s role as one of the film’s antagonists adds further dramatic weight .

The creative team’s decision to use a mockumentary approach enables a blend of humor, authenticity, and critical distance. The film interrogates the performance of identity—onstage and off—while highlighting the emotional labor required of pop stars, especially those from marginalized backgrounds or holding multiple identities .

Additionally, by eschewing the conventional narratives of music documentaries, "The Moment"opens space for more honest, intersectional depictions of life in the public eye, addressing issues such as mental health, industry gatekeeping, and the commodification of authenticity .

A24’s involvement signals an expectation that "The Moment"will reach both arthouse and mainstream audiences, continuing the studio’s tradition of supporting films that challenge norms and foreground marginalized voices . The film’s anticipated release in January 2026 is poised to coincide with awards season, potentially amplifying its visibility and impact.

Charli XCX’s decision to pivot from a tour documentary to a fictionalized account of pop stardom is in itself a commentary on the saturation—and potential exhaustion—of the celebrity documentary format. By crafting a film that is both critical and celebratory of the music world’s diversity, "The Moment"offers LGBTQ+ viewers and allies a new model for representation: one that acknowledges the complexities of identity, desire, and ambition without resorting to cliché .

Early buzz around "The Moment"highlights its potential to spark important conversations about fame, authenticity, and inclusion. For LGBTQ+ communities, the film’s blend of industry critique, queer artistry, and honest storytelling aligns with ongoing efforts to expand the range of narratives available in mainstream media .

As the release approaches, anticipation continues to build—not just for Charli XCX fans, but for all those invested in seeing more nuanced, intersectional stories on screen. "The Moment"stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of pop culture, where the boundaries between genres, identities, and artistic forms are ever more fluid and open.