The Moment review: A perfect way to finally bang a nail in the Brat coffin

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A star rating of 3 out of 5.

Someone asks Charli XCX, filmed in a very close-up and somewhat awkward style, if she’s intentionally creating a public persona similar to Joaquin Phoenix’s infamous act. This question appears in The Moment, a funny and sometimes brutally honest mockumentary. However, the film doesn’t go as far as Phoenix’s 2010 film I’m Still Here, where he successfully convinced many people he was genuinely struggling.

The film revolves around Charli’s breakout album, ‘Brat,’ known for its bold, green aesthetic and rebellious spirit. A record executive, Tammy Pitman (played by Rosanna Arquette), questions how to capitalize on the album’s success, surrounded by unhelpful colleagues. This scene likely reflects the real pressures Charli faced as record labels tried to maximize profits from the ‘Brat’ era in 2024.

There are two main things happening with Charli. First, while getting ready for a major concert at the O2 Arena, she’s unexpectedly asked to star in a concert film directed by Johannes (Alexander Skarsgård), who has some questionable ideas – including a bizarre plan to have her perform inside a giant, flame-shooting cigarette lighter. Second, she’s also partnered with a new credit card called ‘Brat,’ designed for the LGBTQ+ community and colored green.

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Charli is surrounded by her unhelpful manager, Tim, and her set designer, Celeste. As the concert nears, tensions rise, everyone’s pride gets in the way, and Charli finds herself lacking inspiration. “Everyone is putting so much pressure on me to be groundbreaking,” she exclaims. Perhaps she should have heeded the bird nesting in the O2 arena, leaving droppings on the floor – a clear bad sign.

One of the funniest parts of the show involves her getaway to a spa, which ironically leaves her even more stressed after a painfully awkward run-in with Kylie Jenner, who plays herself. Several other celebrities make brief cameos as themselves – like Julia Fox and Rachel Sennott – but they appear and disappear quickly amidst the whirlwind of Charli’s lavish parties and constant social media promotions.

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Directed by newcomer Aidan Zamiri and written with Bertie Brandes, ‘The Moment’ tries to feel like a real-life documentary. It uses shaky camera work and vibrant colors, reflecting the style of the ‘Brat’ brand. However, this approach becomes repetitive during the film’s relatively short 103-minute runtime. There are also scenes where it feels unrealistic that a documentary team would be present, particularly when Charli is relaxing privately.

The film truly shines when it satirizes the music industry, highlighting how artists often have to choose between staying true to their vision and simply recreating what’s already worked to maximize profits. The storyline involving the ‘Brat’ bank card is especially humorous, as is the visual similarity to Pret’s new green logo. And ending the film with The Verve’s ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ instead of Charli’s music feels like a perfect and fitting choice.

Charli is a talented performer who confidently portrays herself without hesitation. She convincingly captures the chaotic experience of being constantly in the public eye. While suspended above the stage, it’s clear she’s also playfully critiquing other performers – Taylor Swift being a prime example – and the highly polished, commercially driven spectacles they create to satisfy fans. Ultimately, this project feels like a definitive step in shedding her ‘Brat’ image.

The Moment is released in UK cinemas on Friday 20 February 2026.

Authors

James Mottram

James Mottram is a London-based film critic, journalist, and author.

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2026-02-16 16:09