Movie Review ~ My Old Ass

Having recently stumbled out of the touring version of Back to the Future: The Musical, I’ve had time travel on my mind.  The opportunity to revisit the past, relive moments, or make different choices tap into a universal desire to make things better than they could be instead of living in the present we have made for ourselves.  Offering a fresh, more personal twist on a familiar theme, Megan Park’s My Old Ass eschews the flashing lights, DeLoreans, and futuristic tech in favor of allowing the past and future to coexist in a way that feels both literal and deeply emotional.  It’s a quiet, introspective, coming-of-age film that captures the complexities of growing up, and it does so with humor, heart, and a bit of hallucinogenic weirdness.

The summer is nearly over, and Elliott (Maisy Stella) is celebrating her 18th birthday with friends Ro (Kerrice Brooks) and Ruthie (Maddie Ziegler, West Side Story) by camping out (the movie was filmed in and around the beautifully scenic Muskoka Lakes, Ontario) and trying some ‘shrooms provided by Ro. Each has their special trip on the drug, but as her friends are blissed out, Elliott has a surprising and surreal encounter with her 39-year-old future self, played by Aubrey Plaza (Emily the Criminal).  Appearing out of nowhere, the older Elliott may not resemble the younger version, but she knows enough to quickly convince her younger self that she’s the real deal. 

Through the night and then via text messages after (don’t think too hard about the how or why of the continued connection, post-‘shroom-trip because the film doesn’t explain it and honestly it doesn’t matter), the two Elliotts find common ground over their shared timeline. The younger wants to know if their dreams are fulfilled, and the older gently nudges her teenage self away from potential heartache and redirects her focus to the family she has taken for granted.  What unfolds is a sincere journey as the two versions of Elliott navigate family bonds and friendships and the looming presence of Chad (Percy Hynes White, I Like Movies), a mysterious boy from Elliott’s present who has significant implications for her future.

Park, a former actress who made her directorial debut with 2021’s The Fallout, continues showing a natural gift for blending humor and deep emotions.  As the writer and director of My Old Ass, she sets her film apart from similarly themed films by tossing aside the mechanics that typically go into these high-concept features in favor of a profound intimacy that reaches inside and hits you just right.  There’s a unique quality about the way the film tackles Elliott’s battle with self-discovery (a lesbian, she’s internally conflicted about her feelings for Chad), her relationship with her family, and the weight of the choices she hasn’t yet made reflected in the older version of herself standing in front of her. 

The film asks questions most personality quizzes have asked before: what would you say to your younger self if you had the chance?  Then, it comes prepared with follow-ups that tell you it wants you to think about your answers on a larger scale.  If you had that chance, would you offer guidance?  A warning?  Or observe how the person you once were is about to face life’s challenges?  These key emotional beats aren’t skimmed over either, despite the brisk runtime, and it’s in these moments that the heart of the film shines through the brightest.

Adding to the success of the film on paper are the performances Park gets from her cast.  Stella is top-notch as a teen grappling with the overwhelming stress of stepping into adulthood and feeling like life is crashing down just when she’s found her footing.  There’s a bittersweet chemistry between her and White; both actors bring considerable screen presence to a romance we can see being built from the ground up.  Plaza brings a balance of sardonic humor and extreme vulnerability, allowing her to offer wisdom in hindsight, how we can be both hopeful and hardened by our past.  With each role that takes her away from the dry humor she was initially known for, Plaza proves that she’s an actress with a huge range, and her final scene here will get you in the sweet spot.  Special mention must go to Maria Dizzia, in a brief but pivotal role as Elliott’s mother.  She shares a scene with Stella that’s so poignant and true, reminding us of the fleeting moments we share with loved ones and making the impact of her character felt long after she leaves the screen.

Produced by Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment, the entirety of My Old Ass exudes thoughtful craftsmanship, giving it a contemporary feel while allowing it to stay a timeless reflection of change and growth in years to come.  Park has made a film that’s as funny as it is heartfelt, filled with genuine insights that find its magic in the unadorned moments that shape our lives.  Through her film, Park tells us that no matter how much we want to, we can’t change the past, but we can always choose how to face the future, and then shows us how to do it with a warm and thoughtful narrative.