Charli XCX, the British singer renowned for her chart-topping hits, is stepping into the world of cinema. The ongoing Sundance Film Festival has witnessed her making a notable debut as an actress, with three of her films premiering: The Moment, I Want Your Sex, and The Gallerist. This marks a significant pivot in her career, as she begins the year fully embracing her identity as a performer across multiple creative mediums.
On Saturday evening, Charli attended the premieres of two films. The first, I Want Your Sex, sees her sharing the screen with Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman, exploring themes of intimacy and the modern music industry. The second, The Moment, is a documentary-style feature centred on her acclaimed Brat album and the global tour that followed its release.
During the post-screening Q&A sessions, Charli reflected on her evolving career, saying, “I’m at a point where I want the ‘Brat’ era to be behind me and to explore new paths. It’s not just about loving a song — as artists, we want to challenge ourselves, work across different fields, and enjoy new experiences in life.”
In The Moment, Charli portrays a version of herself, though the narrative incorporates additional elements. The film depicts the pressures and scrutiny she faced following the worldwide success of her Brat album, highlighting the demanding nature of fame and the constant attention of the public and media. According to The Hollywood Reporter, her performance is “engaging and compelling,” capturing the balance between her public persona and personal vulnerability. Speaking after the premiere, Charli remarked, “I’m not exactly like the Charli on screen, but not entirely different either. Perhaps my managers know the truth. All I can say is, I’m a restless artist.”
Charli’s acting ambitions extend beyond these three projects. She is slated to appear in Dakota Johnson’s directorial venture A Tree Is Blue, as well as a forthcoming film with Natalie Portman and Gina Ortega, among at least four additional upcoming projects.
Reflecting on her creative journey, Charli stated, “I’ve been in the entertainment industry since I was 16 and have encountered many kinds of people. These experiences have naturally informed my work on screen — there’s no need to force anything.”
| Film Title | Director | Co-stars | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Moment | N/A | Charli XCX | Documentary-style portrayal of Brat tour and fame pressures |
| I Want Your Sex | N/A | Olivia Wilde, Cooper Hoffman | Explores intimacy and music industry dynamics |
| The Gallerist | N/A | N/A | Art world narrative featuring Charli |
| A Tree Is Blue | Dakota Johnson | N/A | Upcoming dramatic project |
| Untitled Project | N/A | Natalie Portman, Gina Ortega | Forthcoming ensemble film |
With her transition from music to film, Charli XCX is expanding her artistic repertoire, captivating fans and critics alike with her daring foray into acting.
