Charli XCX Concludes ‘Brat’ Era with Sundance Double Feature

Charli XCX is transitioning from her pop icon persona as she wraps up her “Brat” era with a significant presence at the Sundance Film Festival. On Friday, January 19, 2024, she showcased her talent at the Eccles Theatre in Park City, Utah, during a double feature that included the world premieres of two highly-anticipated films.

Double Feature Presentations

Charli starred in Gregg Araki’s “I Want Your Sex” and Aidan Zamiri’s “The Moment.” Both films brought forth memorable performances by the Grammy winner.

• I Want Your Sex: Charli plays Minerva, described as the “bitchy American girlfriend” of Cooper Hoffman’s character, Elliot. The film revolves around erotic themes, featuring her as a muse for Olivia Wilde’s character, an artist. The narrative explores dark humor involving murder and manipulation.
• The Moment: This meta mockumentary follows a rising star on her first arena tour. It examines Charli’s success while addressing the challenges of fame and identity.

Charli’s Creative Transition

During a Q&A session after “The Moment,” Charli expressed her desire to evolve as an artist. She humorously stated, “I am sort of really wanting brat to stop.” Her goal is to challenge herself creatively beyond her established pop style.

Director Aidan Zamiri emphasized that the film reflects the conclusion of her “Brat Summer.” He hopes audiences will connect with the story’s themes of letting go and self-discovery.

Collaborations and Future Projects

This year marks an impressive milestone for Charli, as she appears in three films at Sundance. Alongside “The Moment” and “I Want Your Sex,” she stars in Cathy Yan’s “The Gallerist.” Among her fellow cast members are Mason Gooding and Chase Sui Wonders.

Gregg Araki remarked on the collaborative atmosphere, highlighting Charli and Olivia Wilde’s significant contributions to the festival, stating, “This is like the Charli XCX, Olivia Sundance.”

Response from the Industry

Feedback from the Sundance audience suggests that Charli’s transition into film is a promising one. Cooper Hoffman praised her work ethic, noting her ability to shine even after a long performance schedule.

Looking ahead, Charli aims to further diversify her creative output by collaborating with visionary directors. She explained her intent to “switch the kind of creative soup you’re in” to engage with different artistic narratives.

Conclusion: The End of ‘Brat’ and Beyond

As Charli XCX concludes her “Brat” era, her participation in significant films at Sundance indicates a bright future. This evolution may well define her next chapter in entertainment, emphasizing her capability as both a pop star and an emerging actress.