Charli XCX’s Lucky: Mockumentary Divides Fans & Critics

Charli XCX’s foray into mockumentary filmmaking with The Moment is, to put it mildly, a gamble. The film, premiering at Sundance and arriving in Irish cinemas February 20th, isn’t just a vanity project; it’s a calculated move in the pop star’s increasingly savvy career. The cultural moment surrounding her 2024 album Brat – and the subsequent “Brat summer” aesthetic – was a genuine phenomenon, a hyper-saturated explosion of online identity. To fictionalize that, to *comment* on it, is a bold step beyond simply capitalizing on it.

The mixed reception is…predictable. The Hollywood Reporter’s assessment of it being “more fan service than funny” cuts to the core of the issue. Is this a film for the masses, or a knowing wink to the devoted fanbase who lived and breathed the Brat era? The latter seems more likely, and that’s not necessarily a failure. In the age of parasocial relationships and meticulously curated online personas, a film *about* the anxieties of maintaining a public image – even a fictionalized one – has inherent appeal.

However, the critical divide highlights a strategic risk. Variety’s critique that the film “should have pushed further into crackpot satirical extremes” suggests a missed opportunity. The film’s perceived lack of conviction, as noted by Variety, could limit its broader impact. This feels like a carefully managed risk, though. Charli XCX has built a brand on being *just* slightly off-kilter, and leaning too hard into outright satire might have diluted that.

Interestingly, multiple reviewers – The Playlist and Screen Daily – singled out Charli XCX’s acting performance as a highlight, with The Playlist calling a monologue “borderline heartbreaking.” This is a crucial element of the PR narrative. She’s not just a pop star dabbling in film; she’s a legitimate acting talent. Her recent roles in Erupcja and 100 Nights Of Hero were likely testing grounds for this very moment. A24’s involvement further signals a desire for critical respectability, a move beyond pure pop spectacle.

Ultimately, The Moment feels like a stepping stone. Whether it’s a successful one remains to be seen, but it’s a fascinating case study in how pop stars are leveraging their cultural capital to expand their influence and redefine their public image. Expect to see more artists attempting similar meta-commentary on their own fame – and expect A24 to be involved in many of those projects.