Charli xcx Pushes Back at Claims Her Mockumentary Is a "Money Grab"

Charli xcx and director Aidan Zamiri addressed criticism of their mockumentary thriller The Moment after its Sundance debut and theatrical release, pushing back on suggestions the film was a “money grab.” Charli laughed at that notion, saying, “Babe, we paid to bloody make it,” and described the project as a deliberately awkward, self-aware look at life on the road.

The Moment grew out of offers to make a straightforward tour documentary that Charli declined. Instead she and Zamiri leaned into a mockumentary format to peek inside a world‑tour machine and imagine alternate choices. The trailer has a line—“It’s all cringe,” delivered by Rish Shah’s Jamie—that captures the film’s satirical tone; other exaggerated appearances include Rachel Sennott and Kylie Jenner, while Alexander Skarsgård and Rosanna Arquette play contrasting influences in Charli’s orbit.

They used the film to explore art versus commerce and the shifting meaning of “selling out,” aiming to show a less polished, more human version of Charli.