A New Cinematic Chapter for Charli XCX
The horror landscape is shifting with the release of Faces Of Death, a modern adaptation of the notorious ’80s cult video series that once sparked widespread speculation about the authenticity of its gruesome footage. Directed by Daniel Goldhaber—the visionary behind the critically acclaimed 2022 thriller How To Blow Up A Pipeline—the film arrives in theaters today, promising a visceral exploration of viral violence in the digital age.
While the film features a compelling premise centered on a content moderator navigating a nightmare scenario, much of the pre-release buzz has focused on a surprising performance. Pop icon Charli XCX, who has been a fixture in the music industry since her True Romance era, makes a significant pivot here, stepping into a proper cinematic role that requires her to shed her signature British cadence for an American accent.
Accent Work and Character Development
For fans who have followed Charli XCX’s career for over a decade, hearing her adopt an American dialect is a jarring, albeit intriguing, experience. As she continues her cinematic takeover, the artist is clearly committed to disappearing into diverse roles. We first learned of her involvement in the project back in 2023, and while this is not the first role she has filmed, it serves as a definitive look at her burgeoning acting range.
The promo clip released alongside the film’s debut offers a glimpse into the tone of the movie. While the footage is punctuated by intense, unsettling imagery—including a scene involving a scalping—the film maintains a grounded, albeit dark, atmosphere. Charli stars alongside Euphoria actress Barbie Ferreira, with both playing content moderators tasked with filtering the internet’s darkest corners.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting ‘Gabby’
According to recent reports from People, the character’s aesthetic and vocal choices were heavily influenced by Charli herself. Director Daniel Goldhaber noted that the singer brought a specific vision to the role of Gabby, drawing inspiration from iconic cinematic figures. “Charli came in and had a very specific idea of what she wanted her wardrobe for Gabby to be,” Goldhaber explained. “She was like, ‘I wanna have Marla Singer from Fight Club vibes in this movie.’ And I was like, ‘Great.'”
While her screen time in the new clip is brief, her delivery of the phrase “high horse” provides a clear indication of her accent work. It is a subtle but effective transformation that suggests she is ready to tackle more complex, character-driven narratives in the future.
Faces Of Death is in theaters today.
