Charli XCX’s Bold Leap From Pop Star to Film Composer

2024 marked a turning point for Charli XCX, whose album Brat dominated the cultural landscape. While some may not recall the days of ‘Break the Rules’ and ‘Famous’ echoing through Tumblr feeds, or the radio reign of ‘Boom Clap,’ Charli has always been ahead of the curve. She released her debut, 14, at just 15, laying the groundwork for a career defined by innovation. Her early tracks hinted at the creative force she would become, blending danceable electro-pop with her signature deadpan delivery. As her popularity soared, she became the voice of a generation glued to the internet, before pivoting to the experimental world of hyper-pop, where tracks like ‘pink diamond’ pushed boundaries. By the time Brat arrived, Charli was everywhere—her neon green aesthetic, viral TikTok dances to ‘Apple,’ and bold stage presence made her impossible to ignore. The album’s unapologetic party anthems, like “living that life” and “a little line” at the club, were balanced by introspective moments, such as the reflective ‘I think about it all the time,’ which explores themes of motherhood.

Stepping Into the World of Film Scores

What’s next for Charli? She’s gearing up to make her mark as a film composer, with a full album of original music for Wuthering Heights set to drop in February 2026. Two tracks, including the mesmerizing John Cale collaboration ‘House,’ have already been released. She’s also credited as a composer for David Lowery’s upcoming film Mother Mary, starring Anne Hathaway, which is slated for release next year.

This isn’t her first foray into soundtracks. In 2023, she teamed up with Leo Birenberg to score Bottoms, with production help from PC Music’s AG Cook. The previous year, she recorded ‘Hot Girl’ for Bodies Bodies Bodies, but Bottoms marked her debut in crafting a full score, focusing on instrumentals over pop hooks. With Brat sandwiched between two film projects, it’s clear Charli is drawn to Hollywood, mirroring her growing presence as an actress.

Charli’s Cinematic Ambitions

Charli has been vocal about her passion for movies, sharing her favorite films on TikTok and spotlighting some deep cuts. Her acting career is also taking off, with roles in upcoming projects like Erupcja, 100 Nights of Hero, and Sacrifice. She’s set to appear in Gregg Araki’s I Want Your Sex and a new film from Takashi Miike.

With her place in pop music secure, Charli seems poised to conquer the film world. While her acting has sparked mixed reactions, her move into film scoring has been met with excitement. There’s a real need for more women in this field—how many female composers can you name?—and for artists who bring fresh, original ideas to movie music. Recent standout soundtracks, like Broadcast’s work for Berberian Sound Studio or Air’s dreamy score for The Virgin Suicides, have shown the power of unique musical voices in film. Charli’s approach fits right in with this tradition.

A New Era for Movie Music

If ‘House’—a chilling, abrasive collaboration with Velvet Underground’s John Cale—is any indication, Charli is set to become a major force in film music. Her Wuthering Heights soundtrack promises to be more compelling than other recent adaptations, which have received lukewarm early reviews. There’s hope that her work could even elevate the film itself. As anticipation builds for the Mother Mary score, fans and critics alike are eager to see where Charli’s experimental, unconventional style will take her next. With her fearless creativity and deep roots in musical innovation, she’s ready to shake up the world of film composition.