The Wasteland Reviewer

The Moment (2026) Written Review

Are you ready to turn this blistering and frigid winter into your own personal brat winter? Coming to the big screen is a mockumentary from the creative mind of a rising pop star Charli XCX. With the success of her album “BRAT”, Charli leads a fictionalized version of her life and the build to her massive global tour. A Gen-Z This is Spinal Tap (if you will), The Moment is a brash, exciting, and arresting peak into the life of Charli and a satire of the music industry that surrounds her career and success. 

What does writer/director Aidan Zamiri deliver from behind the camera? From the opening credits sequence which is a flashing barrage of color, vibes, and energy, you know that Zamiri is bringing an atmosphere that is coming right at you. You won’t know what does party harder, this film or Charli herself. Zamiri has experience directing music videos for Charli and it shows with some of the sleek, flashy, and sexy imagery that flashes on screen along the way. These elements stand out amongst the expected documentary-style look of the rest of the film but Zamiri and cinematographers Molly Manning Walker and Sean Price Willaims give it a distinct vibe that matches it trendy feel. This film is drenched in a modern atmosphere that will help make this film a timetable for this era of pop culture. The film has plenty of energy as it bounces along this crazy life of Charli. Admittedly, this film feels like it should be funnier, but it delivers enough laughs. But the music is certainly the driving force and Zamiri captures that auditory experience so well. 

Does this story (from the mind of Charli XCX) come to life well on the backs of Zamiri and co-writer Bertie Brandes? The Moment never feels quite as fresh as a film like This is Spinal Tap or other biting commentaries on pop culture. But there is enough entertainment value here for a fun time. The film does not hit with as many laughs as you might think (or it is trying to). The biting commentary on the music industry is not the freshest or nuanced, but it still equates to good entertainment value. The story is quite loose and fluid with the more personal elements feeling the most impactful and meaningful. When the film focuses on Charli’s own personal journey, it is the most engrossing. One of the struggles of the film is the presence of too many one-note characters who pull attention away from the core of the film. The blurring of reality is quite intriguing though. Overall, this is a sharp enough satire and mockumentary that has enough substance and energy to engage. 

How does the cast deliver? Charli feels quite authentic and believable in the role of herself. She does not struggle to feel organic on screen as she navigates an experience that she knows so well. That knowledge shines through and makes her so effective as the central protagonist of this meta-tale. There are a few standout performances from a few big names too. Rachel Sennott is also playing a fictionalized version of herself with an engrossing level of authenticity. Charlie and Sennott have some fantastic chemistry in the few moments they get to share the screen. Alexander Skarsgard continues his track record of being a delightful weirdo on screen. His quirky vibes work perfectly as filmmaker Johannes who slides in and steals the screen. Even Rosanna Arquette shows up and delivers some stature and presence as a music industry mogul. Many of the rest of the cast do not stand out as much as you might expect but at least there are a few stand out to enjoy. 

Is The Moment a fresh twist for a new generation? Not quite fresh but certainly a fun retread of an idea. This Gen-Z drenched atmosphere and sensibility give Charli XCX’s new venture a wild energy. This is an overall quite entertaining experience with a lot of energy and vibes that are hard to ignore. The music is certainly worth the experience.