Charli XCX Wraps Up ‘Brat’ Era with Sundance Double Feature and Explores New Stories On Screen

Charli XCX Makes Bold On-Screen Debut at Sundance Film Festival

In a notable shift from her pop music roots, Charli XCX showcased her acting talents during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, this winter. Following the success of last summer’s pop phenomenon, she took to the stage for a double-feature premiere on Friday, marking her entry into the film industry.

The festival, which is set to undergo significant changes next year, featured the world premieres of two films: I Want Your Sex, directed by Gregg Araki, and The Moment, directed by Aidan Zamiri. Both films spotlighted Charli’s performance, demonstrating her versatility beyond music.

“Right now, unlike the me in The Moment, I am sort of really wanting brat to stop,” Charli said during the premiere, drawing laughter from the audience. “And actually really pivot as far away from it as possible. And that’s not because I don’t love it, it’s just because I think for all of us as artists, you wanna challenge yourself.”

In I Want Your Sex, Araki’s first feature film in a decade, Charli plays Minerva, described as the “bitchy American girlfriend” of Elliot, portrayed by Cooper Hoffman. The film explores themes of power dynamics and sexuality in a comedic context.

Charli’s presence at the festival extends beyond these two films; she is also featured in The Gallerist, directed by Cathy Yan. Araki expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This is like the Charli XCX, Olivia [Wilde] Sundance, and we’re all just happy to be here.”

Immediately after I Want Your Sex, Charli made her onscreen debut in The Moment, a meta mockumentary that follows a rising star on her first arena tour. The film mirrors Charli’s own rise to fame while commenting on the complexities of maintaining identity in the spotlight.

“This film is about the end of brat summer,” said Zamiri. “But hopefully, everyone can in some way find how it relates to them and the terror of letting something go.”

Fans have noted striking similarities between Charli the character and Charli the artist, as she took a brief break from her busy schedule to film alongside a talented ensemble, which includes Mason Gooding and Chase Sui Wonders.

Cooper Hoffman shared his experience working with Charli, noting, “She came to set right after performing at some stadium. It was incredible, it was so fantastic. She plays my girlfriend who doesn’t want to have sex with me, and she’s hilarious.”

With The Gallerist set to premiere on Saturday, it is clear that Charli’s year has been packed with activity, having concluded her brat tour and participated in various films, including 100 Nights of Hero, Erupcja, and Sacrifice. If audience reactions at Sundance are any indication, Charli is on track to add "movie star" to her already impressive resume.

In reflecting on her evolving career, Charli stated, “You wanna totally switch the kind of creative soup you’re in and go and live in a different bowl for a while, and just feel enriched by that. And I think that’s how I feel about the projects I’m taking on in film.”