Everyone and their mother is talking about Charli xcx right now. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
For those who don’t live on the internet, let’s recap. It’s no secret Charli xcx has had quite the past couple years. Along with single-handedly inventing “Brat summer,” which is nothing short of historic, she also received three Grammy Awards for the brat album at the most-recent Grammys.
But honestly? It looks like Charli is shifting her focus into acting anyway — and no, I’m not just talking about that wonderful guest-starring role in Overcompensating. She’s currently at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where not one, but TWO of her movies are premiering: romance-drama Erupcja, and thriller Sacrifice.
One of those movies, Erupcja, was Charli’s first major role in a film…so all eyes were on her. She stars as Bethany, a British tourist who escapes from a trip with her boyfriend to instead pursue her friend (and the movie’s romantic co-lead), Nel, played by Polish actress Lena Góra. And it looks like any speculation on her acting chops is gone, because critics are shook by Charli’s performance.
“What sets Charli’s trajectory apart are her intriguing choices,” BBC’s review said. “Charli effectively conveys longing, questioning and heartbreak without a word. It is a strong dramatic performance in a film that is more satisfying than it promises to be at first.”
“Charli XCX may not have much movie experience, but she dominates the action with classical canniness, her energetic yet poised performance showing keen awareness that movie acting favors minimal strain,” The New Yorker reported.
Above all, the consensus is that we’ve underestimated our girl. “Charli demonstrates she might just have what it takes after all,” Vulture concluded. “It’s not so much that she’s just better from a distance in Erupcja, it’s that she’s very compelling when playing someone who’s forever dancing just out of reach.”
So this just in: Charli’s a hit! And of course, the internet’s got a ton to say about it…
What are your thoughts on Charli xcx’s buzzing acting career? Are you sold, or not fully convinced yet? Tell me your thoughts in the comments below!