PARK CITY – In no manner of speaking can you prepare yourself for “The Moment.” Sold as a mockumentary centered on Charli XCX’s BRAT tour, the movie only hints at a narrative heading in that direction. It’s not a full-fledged comedy, and the only musical performance, if you want to call it that, comes under the opening credits. Instead, think of Aidan Zamiri’s feature directorial debut as a dramatic reenactment of an alternate timeline. A world where the pop dance superstar made choices out of fear instead of a cool, artistic confidence that is seemingly her calling card.
The film begins in a manner that the marketing has been selling audiences so far. Charli (Charlotte Emma Aitchison) has three weeks of rehearsals until the launch of her 2024-2025 BRAT tour. She’s just wrapped a crazy “BRAT summer,” after the release of her self-produced album BRAT, which became a pop culture phenomenon. Flanked by her manager Tim (Jamie Demetriou), her social media manager Lloyd (Isaac Powell), and assistant Ana (Trew Mullen), she films a Vogue “What’s My Bag” segment. Interview Magazine Editor-in-Chief Mel Ottenberg plays himself as a stylist for the shoot, having her sewn into a corset that will make her the first “bag” subject who participates standing up. This is played for laughs and hints at the movie you think you’ve signed up for.
Back in London, Charli’s record label, Atlantic, is visited by their American boss, Tammy (Patricia Arquette), who is preoccupied with a major credit card tie-in and concert movie for the tour. Tammy is thrilled to discover that the U.K. staff have already lined up the super-commercial director Joannes (Alexander Skarsgård, properly disturbing) to make sure the movie is a hit. Of course, no one asked for Charlie’s sign-off on any of this. She arrives at rehearsals to work with her assigned show director and creative collaborator, Celeste (Hailey Benton Gates), the woman responsible for the BRAT aesthetic (in reality, the tour was conceived by Jonny Kingsbury).
When Joannes, who has a difficult reputation, shows up at rehearsals, it sets up a confrontation with Celeste, the record company, and Charli that becomes progressively tense. Yes, this film, which is occasionally funny, becomes a slow burn of genuine tension. History tells us that the tour’s creative, created by “Celeste,” was at the center of the show. As “The Moment” moves forward, there is an increasing sense of dread surrounding the proceedings and Charli’s choices. And that’s because, in this script written by Zamiri and Bertie Brandes, this isn’t a celebration of BRAT, it’s a deconstruction of it. This is a movie about a public figure who begins to question all the bold choices she made to reach this peak in the first place. Like her record label, she feels an inordinate amount of pressure to keep this era alive. She’s spent over a decade trying to reach the top, and she doesn’t want to crash now.
Granted, that’s not to say there aren’t funny moments. Rachel Sennott, who appeared in the “360” music video Zamiri directed, wonderfully pokes fun at herself running into Charli at a Paris after-party. Even Kylie Jenner, who also plays herself, isn’t afraid to let the audience know she’s in on the joke, or at least whatever Charli and Zamiri think of the Kardashians. For the most part, everyone else surrounding this incarnation of Charli is only there to raise her anxiety. She’s even afraid of getting sick from the kooky makeup artist Molly (Kate Berlant, who deserved more screen time). Decidely, Celeste is the only character in the film attempting to keep her friend, Charli, on track, whether it personally benefits her own career or not.
Without spoiling much, when things come to a head, Aitchison delivers a monologue as this version of Charli that is borderline heartbreaking. She’s essentially justifying her actions in the third act to the audience. Choices that would shock her fans and peers in the real world. She’s startlingly good. Even if she’s playing “herself.” Perhaps this is “The Moment,” the movie’s title refers to.
The fact that Aitchison approved this script will leave many in the music industry with some big questions. Even if the movie is sold as a fictional exercise. Is Tim, a deceptive manager you could never envision Charli having in her close circle, representing a previous manager/agent in her life? Despite her success on the charts, does she have genuine disdain for he record labe Are there really moments where Aitchison feels as isolated as this Charli? Were there moments here where there was no one to trust? (It should be noted that this Charli doesn’t have a longtime partner or future husband to turn to as she does in this timeline).
It goes without saying that Zamiri has taken a very big swing with “The Moment.” So, frankly, has Aitchison. The legacy of BRAT and Charli’s contributions to this particular era of pop culture are on the line (and so is her relationship with her fanbase). And while it’s not a complete home run – it is a wee bit too long and certainly not as funny overall as it should be – in the end, it delivers. Because, love it or hate it, this film will linger with you. You certainly won’t forget Aitchison’s stirring performance. And for someone who has become wonderfully astute in the history of cinema, Aitchison couldn’t ask for anything more. [B]
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