Charli XCX's 'The Moment' Satirizes Fame and Social Media

The mockumentary film taps into the blurred lines between performance and reality in the pop music industry.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The buzz surrounding Charli XCX's new mockumentary film 'The Moment' reflects the rapidly evolving relationship between pop stars, authenticity, and the relentless churn of social media. The film, which premiered at Sundance and is gaining traction at the Berlinale, deconstructs the carefully crafted pop persona and satirizes the pressures of fame, brand deals, and the demands of maintaining relevance in a hyper-connected world.

Why it matters

The choice of the mockumentary format allows 'The Moment' to expose the absurdities of the music industry, poking fun at the superficiality of influencer culture and the constant need for self-promotion. This trend of self-aware celebrity is not isolated to Charli XCX, as artists are increasingly using their platforms to critique the very systems that made them famous.

The details

The film's focus on the 'Brat' era, a period where Charli XCX became a cultural phenomenon, highlights the fleeting nature of online trends and the challenges of sustaining momentum. The inclusion of figures like Kylie Jenner, playing a fictionalized version of herself, further underscores the meta-commentary on the commodification of authenticity and the bizarre partnerships between artists and corporations.

  • The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2026.
  • The film is gaining traction at the Berlinale in 2026.

The players

Charli XCX

A pop star known for her embrace of internet culture and willingness to experiment, representing a new breed of pop star who acknowledges and satirizes the constructed nature of celebrity.

Aidan Zamiri

The director of 'The Moment' who has previously worked with Charli XCX on music videos.

Kylie Jenner

A reality TV star and influencer who plays a fictionalized version of herself in the film, further underscoring the meta-commentary on the commodification of authenticity.

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The takeaway

The success of 'The Moment' at film festivals highlights the growing trend of artists embracing self-awareness and using their platforms to critique the music industry. This shift towards a more raw and unfiltered approach to pop stardom is challenging the traditional model of carefully crafted perfection and opening up new opportunities for artists to connect with their audiences in more authentic ways.