My Old Ass
September 12th, 2024
MOVIE: MY OLD ASS
STARRING: MAISY STELLA, AUBREY PLAZA, PERCY HYNES WHITE, MARIA DIZZIA
DIRECTED BY: MEGAN PARK
AMovieGuy.com’s RATING: 3 STARS (Out of 4)
RATED: R
RUN TIME: 88 MINUTES
It’s fascinating to think about how we once lived in an era where movies like My Old Ass were relatively common. Films about body-switching, like All of Me or the teenage-to-adult transformation in Big, were a staple. These movies, while unrealistic, offered a moment of suspended reality—a fantasy that helped characters learn valuable life lessons. Megan Park’s My Old Ass revives this genre, and it’s brimming with heart.
Maisy Stella stars as Elliot, a high school senior savoring her last summer before college, preparing to leave behind family, friends, and school crushes. For one final adventure, Maisy and her friends Ruthie (Maddie Ziegler) and Ro (Kerrice Brooks) go camping and experiment with mushrooms. In her hallucinations, Maisy encounters her future self, Older Elliot (played by Aubrey Plaza)—or is it just the drugs at work? Regardless, the two Elliots discuss life and the choices that lie ahead. Older Elliot warns her younger self to steer clear of a guy named Chad (Percy Hynes White). Despite the warning, Maisy soon finds Chad swimming in the same lake. A connection forms, and as she questions why Chad is considered a bad choice, her older self vanishes, leaving her to confront her own decisions.
This film marks the sophomore effort of director Megan Park, who previously tackled the intense subject of teenagers coping with a school shooting in The Fallout. Here, Park demonstrates her versatility. The script is charming, sharp, and honest. Though Stella and Plaza don’t exactly resemble each other, the film maintains a “just go with it” tone, embracing the fantasy element without over-explaining the mechanics of time-traveling encounters. Instead, it focuses on the romance and journey of self-discovery that truly shines.
The standout elements are Stella’s comedic timing and the growing connection between Elliot and Chad. The film explores Elliot’s sexuality, her family life, the struggle between knowing her future, and the urge to control her destiny. Though Aubrey Plaza has limited screen time, she brings her usual blend of natural presence and emotional depth, enriching her role with drama and authenticity.
However, My Old Ass does have its flaws. The middle section drags and could have benefited from a boost before the third act. Nonetheless, the film’s journey remains consistently charming and provides a thoughtful reflection on what someone might say to their younger self. My Old Ass leaves viewers with a bittersweet appreciation for the fleeting moments with loved ones and a hopeful outlook on a young person’s future. It’s a delightful watch for both your younger and older self.
3 STARS
MY OLD ASS IS PLAYING IN SELECT THEATERS FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 13TH AND ACROSS THE U.S. ON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2024.
Written by: Leo Brady
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