MOVIE REVIEW | The Moment – There’s an intriguing idea at the centre of Moment — but unfortunately, the execution leaves audiences more confused than captivated.
Marketed as a candid look at a rising pop star navigating fame while preparing for her arena tour debut, Moment initially presents itself in a raw, documentary style. The camera feels intimate. The access feels personal. For the first stretch, it genuinely appears as though we’re watching real-life footage of Charli XCX behind the scenes.
But then comes the twist: this isn’t a documentary. It’s a semi-fictionalised mockumentary.
Charli XCX plays “herself” — but not quite herself. The film imagines a version of her life that diverges from reality, particularly in how it frames her career trajectory and creative struggles post-Brat. It’s a conceptual choice that might have worked in theory, but in practice, it muddies the emotional connection.
If it’s fiction, why use her real name?
If it’s about her, why fictionalise the core conflicts?
If it’s a mockumentary, why frame it so convincingly as vérité truth?
The result is a tonal grey zone that never fully commits to being satire, drama, or authentic industry commentary.
A Premise That Trips Over Itself
The central problem is not that Moment is fictionalised — it’s that it doesn’t clearly establish its rules. Audiences are left trying to decode what’s real, what’s exaggerated, and what commentary the film is actually making.
Had Charli instead played a fictional pop star — say, a character like “Amy” — the story may have breathed easier. The parallels to her real-life career could still exist, but the film would stand on its own narrative legs. By choosing to blur the lines while using her real identity, the film invites comparisons it never satisfies.
For viewers hoping for insight into the real Charli XCX, this will feel like a missed opportunity. For viewers expecting a sharp industry satire, it doesn’t lean hard enough into absurdity to land those punches either.
Characters That Don’t Quite Land
A strong supporting cast includes seasoned performers and bold personalities, yet many characters feel underdeveloped or tonally inconsistent. Some are intentionally unlikable — but not in a compelling, layered way. Instead, several come across as awkward or cringe-inducing without purpose.
In satire, exaggeration works when it reveals truth. Here, it often just feels uncomfortable.
Style Over Substance?
Visually, the mockumentary format is convincing. The handheld cinematography and fly-on-the-wall intimacy are effective. It genuinely looks like real behind-the-scenes footage, which makes the fictional reveal more jarring.
Ironically, that authenticity is both the film’s strength and its undoing. It creates expectations of real emotional access that the narrative cannot fulfil.
The Audience Reaction
At the preview screening, the cinema was packed. The applause at the end was loud and enthusiastic — clearly fuelled by devoted Charli XCX fans who were thrilled to see her on the big screen.
And that’s likely where Moment will find its audience: fans happy simply to spend time in her orbit.
But for general viewers — or even fans expecting something revelatory — the experience may feel hollow.
Final Verdict
Moment isn’t a disaster. It’s just a confusing creative choice that never quite justifies itself. As a documentary, it could have offered fascinating insight. As a fully fictional satire, it might have been sharp and daring. Sitting awkwardly in between, it struggles to define what it wants to say.
Charli XCX has undeniable screen presence, and there’s potential here — but this particular “moment” doesn’t quite hit.
Rating
Aaron: 4 / 10 “A stylish but muddled mockumentary that never decides whether it’s satire or self-portrait.”
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Zak: 3.5 / 10 “An intriguing concept undone by confused storytelling and hollow execution.”
Synopsis
A rising pop star (Charli xcx) navigates the complexities of fame and industry pressure while preparing for her arena tour debut.
Following its world premiere at Sundance in January, THE MOMENT has been released in the US to sold-out screenings in New York and LA, making it A24’s best limited debut since ‘Marty Supreme’.
Directed by: Aidan Zamiri
Written by: Aidan Zamiri and Bertie Brandes
Starring: Charli xcx, Rosanna Arquette, Kate Berlant, Jamie Demetriou, Arielle Dombasle, Hailey Benton Gates, Kylie Jenner, Trew Mullen, Mel Ottenberg, Isaac Powell, Rachel Sennott, Rish Shah, Alexander Skarsgård, Michael Workéyè
The Moment – in cinemas 5 March
Cinema Experience:
Luna is a very old styled cinema, so the old fashioned chairs are still in place. The Candy Bar selections are more expansive and less expensive than the major chains. It is disappointing that they have not done any modern upgrades like cup holders – a little piece of luxury that seemingly is taken for granted.
Link to Maslow Entertainment HERE
TV Central Movie Reviews HERE
