Charli XCX has never been one to take a break. Even after her marriage to drummer George Daniel and her forays into acting, she found herself back in the studio in October 2026 with longtime collaborators A. G. Cook and Finn Keane. The result is Music, Fashion, Film an album that feels inspired and unapologetically honest.
The album is a whirlwind of processed guitar, digitally altered vocals, and understated electronic beats. Charli XCX uses her music to explore her confusion and the pressures of performing a version of herself. She jokes about her struggles on tracks like “Rock Music” where she declares the dance floor dead, and “SS26” where she parades through a runway to hell while the world falls apart around her.
Charli XCX’s Cinematic Aspirations
Charli XCX’s love for film is evident in her music. The track “Camera” finds her on a film set, questioning her career choices and her desire to act. She wonders if she wants to make music anymore or if she should pursue acting. The song captures her raw and open hunt for feelings, a theme that runs throughout the album.
The music video for “Camera” stars French actor Vincent Cassel and is directed by Aidan Zamiri. It follows Cassel as he struggles through a desert shootout scene, with Charli XCX appearing as the movie’s director. The video is a single, continuous shot, adding to its cinematic nature.
Personal Struggles and Relationships
The album also delves into Charli XCX’s personal life. The track “I’m Afraid” is a terrifying exploration of her fears about her marriage and the pressures of being a wife and artist. She confesses that her pain makes her feel like a better artist, knowing it’s just an excuse to behave selfishly.
In “Magic Metal Montana” she expresses her love and admiration for her collaborator A. G. Cook. She toasts him with whiskey, loving his haircut, dancing skills, and the things he likes. The friendship is reduced to a simple couplet: “You’re my best friend, but we don’t talk/We make music, we talk that way.”
Charli XCX’s Love for Film
Charli XCX’s affinity for film is not new. Her 2012 mixtape Heartbreaks and Earthquakes was punctuated by film sound snippets, and her 2026 album Crash was inspired by David Cronenberg’s film of the same name. She has also referenced films like Pulp FictionCruel Intentions and The Matrix in her music.
The music video for “Camera” is just the latest example of Charli XCX’s love for film. It stars French actor Vincent Cassel and is directed by Aidan Zamiri. The video follows Cassel as he struggles through a desert shootout scene, with Charli XCX appearing as the movie’s director. The video is a single, continuous shot, adding to its cinematic nature.
Charli XCX’s Music, Fashion, Film is a raw and unfiltered exploration of her artistic journey and personal struggles. It’s a testament to her openness and her willingness to hunt for feelings, no matter how dangerous or ugly they may be.
