The mockumentary The Moment, featuring Charli XCX and Alexander Skarsgård, has debuted to disappointing reviews and a lackluster score on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Aidan Zamiri, the film premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and portrays a fictionalized version of Charli XCX as she prepares for her Brat tour. Critics have largely panned the film, suggesting it fails to deliver on its potential.
Critical Reception of “The Moment”
Early reviews indicate that The Moment struggled to resonate with film critics. Sean Boelman of FandomWire expressed disappointment, stating that with the talent involved, the film “should be something special,” but ultimately described it as “an unfunny, boring experience.” He acknowledged Charli XCX’s efforts to venture beyond a traditional tour documentary, yet felt it needed “more ambitious swings.”
James Preston Poole from DiscussingFilm criticized the film’s execution, noting that it “lacks the conviction to sustain that format.” Nevertheless, he acknowledged Charli XCX’s compelling screen presence, referring to the film as “at the very least a handsomely produced” effort.
Mey Rude from OUT offered a unique comparison, likening the experience of watching The Moment to trying a new drug: “Surrounded by well-dressed cool people, but also underwhelming and surprisingly lacking any real type of kick.” While she noted the film’s vibrant aesthetics, including “hyperpop edits, flashing strobes, bright colors, and in-your-face attitude,” she ultimately deemed it “mostly forgettable.”
In a harsher critique, Gregory Nussen of ScreenRant described the film as “a shapeless, thoroughly uninteresting exercise in self-effacement.” Such sentiments reflect a broader consensus that the film has not met expectations.
Performance on Rotten Tomatoes
As of now, The Moment holds a 55 percent critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 31 reviews, categorizing it as below mediocre. Audience reactions on the platform’s Popcornmeter are not yet available, but these figures may shift once the film is released in North America by A24 on January 30, 2026.
The mixed reviews highlight the challenges faced by Charli XCX and Alexander Skarsgård in creating a film that resonates with both audiences and critics alike. As the film prepares for its wider release, it remains to be seen how it will perform in the coming weeks.
