Charli XCX's Cinematic Ambition: A Pop Star's Bold Leap into Film
In a striking scene from her new film The Moment, Charli XCX wipes away makeup in the back of a cab, revealing a raw moment of regret and shame. This clever mockumentary, directed by Aidan Zamiri, satirises 21st-century pop stardom by imagining the singer losing her head after the success of her 2024 album Brat. With a buzzy premiere at Sundance, the film positions Charli for a pivot from pop to the silver screen, marking a significant step in her burgeoning acting career.
A Multifilm Debut: Charli's Sudden On-Screen Presence
Charli XCX, the edgy British artist known for her electro-banging aesthetic, is suddenly everywhere in cinema. According to IMDb, she has roles in nine feature films and counting, including I Want Your Sex by Gregg Araki, The Gallerist with Natalie Portman, and 100 Nights of Hero from Julia Jackman. This flurry of activity raises the question: why is she appearing in so many projects all at once? Unlike other musicians who dip a toe into Hollywood, Charli seems to be diving in headfirst, yet her approach is surprisingly measured.
Starting Small: Supporting Roles and Nuanced Performances
Despite her commanding stage presence, Charli has embraced supporting roles in films. In The Gallerist, she plays a cameo as an art influencer's girlfriend, while in Romain Gavras's Sacrifice, she appears as Mother Nature. Her performance in I Want Your Sex has been praised for playing against type as a prudish girlfriend. In 100 Nights of Hero, set in a medieval fantasy world, she portrays Rosa with an unexpected softness, far removed from her usual vampy persona. These roles, though small, reveal her canniness and ability to adapt.
The Moment: A Leading Role and Self-Satire
In The Moment, Charli takes her first proper leading role, skewering her own pop persona with humour. She pokes fun at her hair, brand deals, and old songs, becoming both the star and the butt of the joke. A plotline involving an ill-advised branded credit card showcases the film's tongue-in-cheek tone, but Charli's performance as an artist under pressure is nuanced. When a fan credits her music with saving his life, her stressed reaction feels genuine, highlighting her emotional depth as an actor.
Acting Gifts and Cine-Literate Taste
Charli's ability to manipulate her face is a key asset, as seen in Benito Skinner's TV comedy Overcompensating, where she uses deadpan micro eye-rolls for comedic effect. Her taste in films, documented on her viral Letterboxd account with eclectic choices like Jacques Rivette's Celine and Julie Go Boating, informs her role selections. In an interview, she emphasised preferring collaborations that stem from her own creative spark, such as working with director Aidan Zamiri, who previously directed her music videos.
Learning from Others: Pop Stars in Film
Charli's strategy contrasts with musicians like Harry Styles, whose rushed leading roles led to mixed reviews, or Beyoncé, whose film performances sometimes lacked on-screen craft. Instead, Charli aligns with artists like Lady Gaga and Tyler, the Creator, who choose roles that complement their personas. By focusing on independent films with strong directorial visions, she avoids the pitfall of assuming charisma alone translates to acting success.
Future Prospects and Strategic Moves
Next, Charli will appear on the soundtrack for Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights, a move that allows her to engage with gothic aesthetics while staying adjacent to the project. This deft strategy suggests she may evolve into an auteur rather than just a vessel for roles. With The Moment set for UK release on 20 February, Charli XCX's film journey is just beginning, blending fun with friends and serious artistic ambition.
