By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – Warsaw, the cinematic landscape is bracing for a seismic shift as the first official trailer for Erupcja makes its debut, marking a significant milestone in the burgeoning acting career of pop visionary Charli XCX. Directed by the indie auteur Pete Ohs, the film—whose title translates from Polish as "eruption"—promises a claustrophobic and emotionally charged exploration of human relationships under the shadow of a literal and metaphorical disaster. Set against the stark, ash-dusted backdrop of Poland’s capital, the film features Charli XCX in a lead role that appears to diverge sharply from her high-octane stage persona, signaling her arrival as a serious contender in the world of independent cinema.
In Erupcja, Charli XCX portrays Bethany, a woman caught in a state of forced stasis. The narrative follows her and her boyfriend, played by Will Madden, as they navigate the eerie aftermath of a volcanic event that has brought Warsaw to a standstill. The trailer offers a glimpse into this灰-toned world, where the falling ash serves as a haunting visual metaphor for the disintegration of the couple’s romantic bond. As the world outside becomes increasingly inhospitable, the internal friction between the two protagonists intensifies, leading Bethany to a profound reassessment of her life choices and her partner. The film appears to be less about the spectacle of a natural disaster and more about the quiet, devastating tremors that occur within the confines of a strained relationship.
The project is a testament to the collaborative spirit that has come to define Pete Ohs’ directorial style. Known for his unconventional approach to filmmaking—often characterized by small crews, improvised dialogue, and a DIY aesthetic—Ohs took the concept of partnership a step further with Erupcja. The screenplay was co-written by Ohs alongside the film’s central quartet of actors: Charli XCX, Lena Góra, Jeremy O. Harris, and Will Madden. This democratic approach to storytelling suggests a film that is deeply rooted in the perspectives of its performers, allowing for a level of authenticity and raw vulnerability that is often lost in more traditional studio productions. By involving the actors in the foundational writing process, Ohs has created a space where the characters are not just vessels for a script, but extensions of the performers’ own creative inquiries.
The casting itself is a masterstroke of contemporary cultural relevance. Alongside the global pop sensation Charli XCX, the film features Lena Góra, a rising star in Polish and international cinema known for her intense and nuanced performances. Joining them is Jeremy O. Harris, the acclaimed playwright behind the provocative Slave Play, who has increasingly moved into the world of acting and producing, bringing a sharp, intellectual edge to every project he touches. Will Madden, a frequent collaborator of indie filmmakers and a veteran of the festival circuit, rounds out the cast, providing a grounded presence that anchors the film’s more abstract elements. Together, this ensemble represents a cross-section of modern artistry, blending the worlds of music, theater, and independent film.
For Charli XCX, Erupcja is merely the tip of the iceberg in what is shaping up to be a transformative year. While she has long been a fixture of the music industry, her recent pivot toward acting suggests a desire to expand her creative vocabulary. This transition is being meticulously documented in The Moment, a mockumentary directed by Aidan Zamiri. The Moment serves as a satirical look at the whirlwind surrounding her critically acclaimed Brat era, blurring the lines between her real-life persona and a heightened, fictionalized version of herself. The mockumentary has already garnered praise for its sharp wit and Charli’s willingness to poke fun at the very machinery of fame that she inhabits.
However, her role in Erupcja is a clear indication that she is not content with staying within the realm of self-referential comedy. Her upcoming film slate is remarkably diverse, featuring collaborations with some of the most exciting directors working today. She is set to star in Daniel Goldhaber’s reimagining of the cult horror classic Faces of Death, a project that is sure to lean into the darker, more visceral side of her screen presence. Additionally, she has joined the cast of The Gallerist, directed by Cathy Yan, the visionary behind Birds of Prey and Dead Pigs. Perhaps most intriguing is her involvement in I Want Your Sex, the new feature from Gregg Araki, the pioneer of the New Queer Cinema movement. Araki’s stylized, neon-drenched aesthetic feels like a natural fit for Charli’s visual sensibility, and the collaboration is highly anticipated by fans of both the singer and the director.
Even as she conquers the film world, Charli XCX remains deeply tethered to her musical roots, though the two mediums are increasingly bleeding into one another. This Friday, she is scheduled to release Wuthering Heights, a new studio album that serves as a sonic companion to Emerald Fennell’s upcoming film adaptation of the Emily Brontë classic. Fennell, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, has a reputation for using music as a vital narrative tool, and Charli’s involvement suggests a soundtrack that will be as bold and disruptive as the film itself. The lead single, "Chains of Love," has already set the tone for the project, blending Gothic romanticism with modern electronic textures, proving that Charli can adapt her sound to fit any narrative landscape.
The timing of Erupcja’s release is particularly poignant. After making its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last year, the movie is finally set to hit theaters on Friday, April 17. The festival circuit provided an early platform for the film’s unique tone, with critics noting the chemistry between the lead actors and the haunting beauty of the Polish locations. Warsaw, a city with a complex history of destruction and rebirth, provides the perfect setting for a story about an "eruption" that forces individuals to confront the ruins of their own lives.
The rise of the "pop star-turned-actor" is a well-documented phenomenon, but Charli XCX’s trajectory feels different. Rather than chasing blockbuster franchises or safe, commercial roles, she is aligning herself with directors who prioritize atmosphere, subversion, and experimental storytelling. Pete Ohs’ Erupcja is a prime example of this strategy. It is a film that demands attention not because of its budget, but because of its mood and its willingness to let its characters sit in the discomfort of their own making.
As the theatrical release of Erupcja approaches, the industry is watching closely to see how audiences respond to this new version of Charli XCX. If the trailer is any indication, Bethany will be a character defined by a quiet, simmering intensity—a far cry from the "hyperpop" energy of her music videos. It is a performance that requires a certain level of stillness, a quality that Charli seems to have embraced wholeheartedly. By stripping away the glitter and the heavy production, she is revealing a raw, emotive core that may surprise even her most devoted followers.
Ultimately, Erupcja is more than just a movie; it is a statement of intent. It signals the arrival of a multi-disciplinary artist who refuses to be pigeonholed. Whether she is writing songs for a 19th-century literary adaptation, starring in a gore-filled horror remake, or navigating the ash-covered streets of Warsaw in a contemplative drama, Charli XCX is proving that her creative "eruption" is only just beginning. When the film opens on April 17, it will offer audiences a chance to see a star in the process of total reinvention, grounded in a collaborative project that celebrates the messy, unpredictable nature of both art and love.