With the film industry constantly evolving, certain projects stand out for their unique narratives and compelling performances. One such film is The Moment, directed by Aidan Zamiri and featuring Charli XCX in a captivating role. This engaging mockumentary has generated significant buzz, especially following its much-anticipated premiere at the Sundance Film Festival last month. Fans eagerly flocked to the snowy streets of Park City to catch a glimpse of the impressive cast, which includes Charli XCX, Rosanna Arquette, Rachel Sennott, Alexander Skarsgård, and Kate Berlant. The excitement around the film didn’t fade quickly; it continued into the following week when A.G. Cook, a frequent collaborator with Charli, released a music video for his single “Residue,” featuring a cameo from Kylie Jenner. Despite mixed reviews in some quarters, distributor A24 announced the film has become their fastest-selling limited release ever, demonstrating Charli’s undeniable impact on popular culture.
For Trew Mullen, who plays the role of Ana, Charli’s meticulous personal assistant, this experience has been nothing short of exhilarating. Speaking from her home in Los Angeles, she reflects on the swift pace at which everything has unfolded: “This is all happening so fast.” Mullen, who has previously collaborated with female creatives, received the script after her role in Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut Blink Twice. She was immediately drawn to the grounded authenticity of The Moment. During our interview, the theme of “groundedness” recurred as she shared her feelings upon first meeting Charli at the table read—a moment filled with mutual respect and authenticity. Mullen feels well-prepared to seize this pivotal moment in her burgeoning acting career.
With aspirations for a future filled with emotionally rich performances, writing, and directing, Mullen is poised to carve her distinct path in the industry.
With this film in particular, there seems to be a fine line between reality and performance. What is appealing to you about this style of filmmaking?
The filming style allowed for significant improvisation, even though we had to keep a brisk pace, making it a “few takes and move on” scenario. Despite the fast shooting schedule, Aidan fostered an environment of trust, empowering all of us as actors to explore freely. Much of the filming was done handheld, so we didn’t have to stress over eyelines or hitting marks. I vividly remember the first scene we filmed in a garage, where I was pacing. I asked the cinematographer if I was straying too far, and he said, “You can go wherever you want. I’ll follow you.” This creative freedom felt liberating. Generally, actors are expected to hit specific marks or align with lighting, but here, it felt like performing in a play, fully immersed in the world rather than merely depicting it.
Can you share some insights about your character, Ana?
I portray Ana, Charli’s personal assistant, who craves control. She’s a private, risk-averse individual who maintains a meticulously structured life, built on shaky foundations. She’s acutely aware of the dangers of gossip and the importance of discretion, which drives her to keep her cards close to her chest.
How did you tap into this character?
I leverage my imagination heavily, and for this role, much of the information was conveyed through present tense language. Although I wasn’t provided with extensive backstory, I constructed a history for Ana based on her current perspective and worldview. I imagined her as someone forced to mature quickly, perhaps growing up too fast without the luxury of carefree days. Working closely with someone in the spotlight carries its own risks, like choosing a family dynamic that obliges you to devote your entire self, which makes it even more of a calculated risk.
What do you think the film conveys about the price of fame?
The film tackles themes of autonomy—or the lack of it—especially regarding how fame can strip away ownership of one’s art. It poses critical questions about the commercialization of personal expression and what it means to lose one’s identity amidst soaring success.
What is your personal experience with fame?
It’s a peculiar duality; I can be incredibly private, yet my chosen profession is inherently public. For me, the essence lies in the vulnerability needed to share aspects of my internal world. A quote that resonates with me states, “The space between your public and private self is where all the suffering lives.” It’s vital to keep this space narrow, allowing for authenticity while still maintaining boundaries where I choose to be private.
Charli XCX is a dynamic creative force. What caught your attention about her?
On the surface, she’s extroverted, outgoing, and brimming with confidence, which reflects in her music. However, there’s a softer, more authentic side to her that transcends her public persona. When I first met her at the table read, I found it grounding to sit next to her. Without even looking at each other, we exchanged a calming, genuine energy. It underscored the importance of choosing what parts of oneself to reveal to the world.
You’ve also collaborated with Zoë Kravitz on her 2024 directorial project, Blink Twice. How did that influence your growth as a performer?
Zoë possesses a firm sense of self and an incredibly calming presence. On her set, I felt both excited and young, and the growth I experienced was tremendous. I admired her confidence and clarity of vision, leading me to ponder how I can embody those qualities in my own performance style. I believe we all have multifaceted identities, and it’s essential to let all facets coexist harmoniously.
What would be your dream project next?
I’m drawn to projects that delve deep into complex female characters with rich internal lives, allowing for nuanced exploration in the writing.
Have you seen any recent roles that resonate with you?
I recently watched Secret Sunshine, and the emotional depth of the female lead has stayed with me. The way she navigates her emotional landscape and the freedom she displays is something I aspire to emulate in my own work.
I admire your style. What look makes you feel the most confident?
I gravitate toward pieces that feel cinematic, almost like they belong to a story. They don’t need to be extravagant, but they should evoke a sense of character. Fashion allows me to embody different facets of my identity, offering a protective layer. For a long time, I wore vibrant colors and bold patterns as a form of self-expression. Lately, I’ve leaned more toward muted tones, yet I still ensure there’s an interesting shape or structure in my outfits. I find that this approach offers a perspective that feels empowering.
The Moment is currently in theaters.
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