Attending the premiere of The Moment at Luna Palace Cinemas was an electric experience—the theater was nearly sold out, buzzing with an enthusiastic crowd during the opening strobe-lit performance sequence. The energy in the room mirrored the film’s chaotic, high-octane vibe, making it feel like a true event rather than just another screening. As someone who’s followed Charli XCX’s career, I went in hoping for a bold extension of her Brat era’s irreverence, and while the film delivers in flashes, it ultimately left me squarely in the middle: neither hating it nor loving it, but appreciating its ambition.
Charli XCX proves she has real acting chops here, playing a heightened, fictionalized version of herself with surprising vulnerability and command. She captures the exhaustion, self-doubt, and defiant spark that come with sudden mega-fame, blending her signature cheeky persona. It’s easy to see why fans would adore this—she leans into the absurdity of pop stardom without fully hiding behind irony, making her character feel relatable. That said, the script doesn’t always give her enough to chew on beyond the pressures of maintaining the Brat phenomenon.
Alexander Skarsgård stands out as the film’s saving grace, portraying the insufferable, self-serious director Johannes with pitch-perfect comedic timing and a touch of sinister corporate sleaze. His passive-aggressive clashes with Charli provide some of the sharpest laughs, and he steals scenes effortlessly, bringing a welcome energy to what can otherwise feel uneven.
The supporting cast, including cameos from Kylie Jenner and a role for Rosanna Arquette, adds texture but could have been utilized more effectively. Jenner’s appearance feels brief and somewhat gimmicky, while other side characters (like creative director Celeste) offer intriguing dynamics that aren’t fully explored. I particularly wished for more screen time from Rachel Sennott.
Visually, the mockumentary format works well, mixing handheld chaos with glamorous concert shots and documentary-style interviews that blur reality and performance. The editing and lighting capture the duality of public image versus private turmoil, echoing the unpredictable nature of fame. The narrative draws loose parallels to classics like Entourage or A Hard Day’s Night, chronicling the behind-the-scenes madness of tour prep and industry meddling. It satirizes corporate packaging, creative control battles, and the fear of the moment slipping away, but it sometimes wavers between sharp commentary and aimless meandering. The pacing drags in spots, particularly as the story shifts toward more anxious, introspective territory.
For die-hard Charli fans, The Moment is likely a must-see: it’s self-aware, meta, and captures the strange cocktail of confidence and vulnerability that defines modern stardom. It skewers celebrity culture with enough sincerity to feel thoughtful rather than purely cynical. Casual viewers or those expecting wall-to-wall bangers might find it underwhelming.
Overall, I landed in that ambivalent middle ground—intrigued by its bold swings, charmed by standout performances (especially Skarsgård’s), and wishing for more music, sharper supporting roles, and a tighter grip on its chaotic energy. It’s a fascinating artifact of the Brat era, but one that doesn’t quite sustain its initial spark.
See THE MOMENT at Luna Leederville or the Luna Outdoor for a chance to win a limited edition BRAT card thanks to Maslow Entertainment. Please note, these aren’t real credit cards, but they do come in handy. 😇
How to enter:
1) Share a pic of your ticket & your review on Insta Stories by 5pm Perth-time, Sunday, March 7
2) Tag @lunapalacecinemas
3) Make sure your account is public so we can see it
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
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