Barbie Ferreira opens up on years-long friendship with Charli xcx ahead of film debut

Barbie Ferreira is stepping into the horror spotlight alongside her longtime friend Charli xcx in the upcoming film Faces of Death, sharing what it’s like to see the pop star make her first foray into feature films.

In the movie, the Euphoria alum and the Brat musician portray content moderators navigating a macabre digital landscape. Ferreira leads the film as Margot, while Charli plays Gabby, a morbidly curious counterpart who clashes with her character.

“I love Charli so much. We've been friends for a very long time, so it was really cool to work with someone I admire and whose music I’ve always loved,” Ferreira told People. 

She referenced her admiration for Charli’s debut LP True Romance and her appearance on Charli’s BBC Radio 1 podcast, Best Song Ever.

The actress emphasized how their “vastly different worlds” intersected on set. “I’m used to going to her concerts and being in her element,” Ferreira said. “And she got to step into the film world. It was her first time.”

Filmed in 2023, Faces of Death arrived just before Charli’s breakout success with Brat in 2024, marking a pivotal moment for the pop star. 

Ferreira called the experience “honor[able]” and recalled attending hundreds of Charli’s performances over the years.

Director Daniel Goldhaber, who co-wrote the film with Isa Mazzei, noted that Charli proactively joined the project after admiring his 2018 film Cam. 

“She reached out and asked to be in Faces of Death. There was one role left, and she nailed it,” Goldhaber said.

For her role as Gabby, Charli had creative control over key aspects, including wardrobe and accent, drawing inspiration from Marla Singer in Fight Club. 

“She came in with a very specific idea for her character, and that’s how I like to work,” the director added.

Faces of Death also stars Dacre Montgomery, Josie Totah, Aaron Holliday, and Jermaine Fowler, and hits theaters on April 10. 

Ferreira herself has two other April releases, including Mile End Kicks, making it a busy month for the actress.