Charli XCX and Kylie Jenner: The Moment Movie

Charli XCX discusses her mockumentary film debut and working with “legendary” star Kylie Jenner.

Charli XCX mockumentary

What happens when the woman who defined the summer of 2024 decides to trade the strobe lights of a world tour for the calculated chaos of a movie set? For Charli XCX, the transition into the lead role of The Moment isn’t a retreat from her music—it is an expansion of her “Brat” universe.

The 33-year-old singer recently took the stage at a Brooklyn Q&A to peel back the curtain on her first major leading role. While the film is a mockumentary, the talent involved is anything but fake.

Charli revealed that the production was “bookended” by two very different types of legends: Rachel Sennott and Kylie Jenner. Shooting the final scenes with Jenner proved to be a masterclass in effortless collaboration. 

Despite Jenner’s billionaire status and manicured public image, Charli noted that the makeup mogul was “easy and effortless,” leaning into the playfulness of playing a fictionalized version of herself.

The Mirror and the Nightmare 

The most fascinating aspect of this project isn’t just the star-studded cameos—it is the version of Charli on screen.

She isn’t playing a hero. Instead, she portrays a “slightly nightmare” version of herself. This character represents a “sliding doors” reality. 

Every awkward scenario in the film is a glimpse into what Charli’s life could have been if she had made slightly different choices during the Brat era.

This deep dive into her alternate psyche shows a level of self-awareness rarely seen in pop stars.

• Vulnerability through Satire: By playing a version of herself that is difficult to work with, Charli dismantles the “diva” trope before the media can use it against her.
• Professional Pivot: Beyond just acting, she is becoming a triple threat by producing and composing, including her upcoming work on the Wuthering Heights soundtrack.
• Creative Curation: She isn’t just taking any role; she is hunting for directors with a “singular vision,” prioritizing artistic integrity over mainstream visibility.

The “Effortless” Illusion 

People often assume that when stars play themselves, they aren’t actually “acting.” This is the ultimate misconception.

To play a version of yourself—especially a “nightmare” one—requires a surgical detachment from your ego. Charli’s ability to “play” with her public image alongside Kylie Jenner proves she has the range for a long-term film career.

The pop star’s appetite for the screen is clearly growing. She admitted she is “so inspired” to keep working in film, whether as a producer or a performer. 

The pop-to-actor pipeline is crowded, but Charli is carving a unique path through gritty, meta-commentary. If The Moment is any indication, we are witnessing the birth of a new cinematic force who is just as comfortable in front of a lens as she is behind a microphone.