Charli xcx Movie ‘Erupcja,’ Directed by Pete Ohs, Bought by 1-2 Special for North America (EXCLUSIVE)

North American distribution rights for "Erupcja," a guerilla-style drama shot in Warsaw and starring pop icon Charli xcx in her first leading film role, have been acquired by New York-based distributor 1-2 Special. The company, which was established earlier this year with an emphasis on theatrical releases, plans a 2026 cinema rollout. The film made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The plot revolves around two women whose relationships are thrown into disarray. Lena Góra plays Nel, a Warsaw florist, whose quiet life is interrupted when her childhood friend Bethany—portrayed by Charli xcx—arrives with a new partner. An unexpected volcanic eruption traps the trio, igniting a tangled romantic dynamic that challenges their assumptions about love and identity. The ensemble also includes Jeremy O. Harris, an acclaimed playwright, and Will Madden, a regular in director Pete Ohs’s films.

Pete Ohs—known for indie hits like "Jethica" and "The True Beauty of Being Bitten by a Tick"—wrote, produced, directed, shot, and edited the project. The film was developed collaboratively, with cast input shaping the screenplay. Its musical score comes from Charles Watson (Slow Club) and Isabella Summers (Florence + the Machine). Ohs expressed enthusiasm for the distributor, noting, “It’s refreshing to see a new company committed to artistically daring cinema.” He added that 1-2 Special has quickly built credibility by picking up films from respected European directors such as Radu Jude and Christian Petzold.

Production involved several entities: Spartan Media Acquisitions (Ohs’s company), Forever Holiday, bb² (co-founded by Jeremy O. Harris and Josh Godfrey), and Charli xcx. CAA Media Finance brokered the distribution agreement, while international sales are handled by Magnify.

Charli xcx—whose hits include “Boom Clap” and “Speed Drive” from the Barbie soundtrack—has been expanding her presence in film. In addition to "Erupcja," she appears in Julia Jackman’s "100 Nights of Hero," which premiered at Venice. In a recent interview, she reflected on her growing interest in acting: “It feels like a natural evolution—I’m drawn to roles that let me explore new emotional territory.” This shift is part of a wider trend of musicians pursuing acting, often choosing projects that align with their creative identity and offer deeper narrative engagement.