Charli xcx Says Original ‘Brat’ Movie Pitch Was Too Label-Focused and Calls Ariana Grande’
Charli XCX is having a major moment at Sundance—and she’s not holding back.
Ahead of the world premiere of “The Moment,” a concert mockumentary inspired by her wildly successful “Brat” era, Charli opened up about why she initially turned down her record label’s original film pitch and why she was genuinely surprised by Ariana Grande’s Oscar snub.
And honestly? Her reasons make total sense.
Why Charli XCX Said No to a Traditional ‘Brat’ Tour Film
During a candid conversation at the Variety Studio presented by Audible, Charli revealed that her label first proposed a conventional tour documentary centered on her “Brat” shows.
But for Charli, that didn’t feel right.
She explained that the idea felt more like a strategy to extend the album’s commercial lifespan rather than a creative expression. And that’s where she drew the line. Instead of saying yes, she chose to flip the format entirely.
Her goal wasn’t promotion—it was perspective.
‘The Moment’: A Satirical Take on Fame, Pop Culture, and Art
Rather than a glossy tour recap, “The Moment” became a satirical, self-aware film that explores much deeper themes—pop stardom, fame, and what happens to art once it’s released into the world.
Charli described the film as a way to reflect on her own experiences during the “Brat” album cycle, while also poking fun at the music industry—and herself.
The result? A project that feels personal, sharp, and intentionally unconventional.
A Star-Studded Cast With a Meta Twist
The film features an impressive ensemble, including Rosanna Arquette, Alexander Skarsgård, Rachel Sennott, Kate Berlant, Jamie Demetriou, and more.
Some actors play fictionalized versions of themselves, while others portray stylized versions of real people from Charli’s life. This layered storytelling adds to the film’s satirical edge and keeps it grounded in Charli’s reality.
Director Aidan Zamiri, a close collaborator from the “Brat” era, summed it up perfectly—what started as an authentic artistic expression became something globally consumed and commercially interpreted, and that tension is at the heart of the film.
Charli XCX Reacts to Ariana Grande’s Oscar Snub
Beyond Sundance buzz, Charli also reacted to the latest Oscar nominations—or rather, she admitted she hadn’t been following them closely.
But one thing did surprise her.
When she learned that Ariana Grande was snubbed for Best Supporting Actress for “Wicked: For Good,” Charli didn’t hesitate to praise her collaborator.
She called Ariana “amazing” and said she goes “full force” in everything she does, adding that the snub genuinely shocked her.
Considering the two recently worked together on the remix of “Sympathy Is a Knife,” the support felt both sincere and heartfelt.
Release Date to Watch
“The Moment” hits theaters on January 30, following its Sundance premiere—and if Charli’s creative instincts are any indication, this won’t be a typical concert film.
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