Director/Writer: Megan Park
Cast: Maisy Stella, Aubrey Plaza, Maddie Ziegler, Percy Hynes White
Genre: Comedy-Drama/Sci-fi
Release Date: September 13, 2024 (available on Amazon Prime Nov. 7)
Runtime: 1 hr 29 min
My Rating: 9/10
There are honestly few movies from the last couple of years that have wowed me and left a mark on me the way My Old Ass has. Undoubtedly one of my favorite films of 2024, this dramedy with a fantastical twist centers on Elliott, (Stella) an 18-year-old girl living in an unnamed rural town in what appears to be either Canada or upstate New York with her parents and two brothers. Elliott seeks to make the best of her last summer before beginning college in Toronto and often takes boat rides on the lake with her two friends Ruthie (Ziegler) and Ro, (Kerrice Brooks) while hooking up with her crush Chelsea (Alexandria Rivera) in between hanging out with them.
One night by a campfire in the woods, Elliott and her gal pals decide to take hallucinogenic mushrooms for the first time. Ruthie and Ro eventually pass out but Elliott somehow manages to stay awake longer and suddenly comes face-to-face with a sarcastic young woman (Plaza) who claims to be her 39-year-old self. Naturally, Elliott is freaked out yet also intrigued by her future self, who then begins to regularly appear to her to give the youngster both insightful and trivial life advice about family, friends, romantic relationships, and more. Another dilemma Elliott soon starts to wrestle with is how to feel about Chad, (White) a goofy but good-mannered and intelligent boy who lives nearby and often comes by the lake to swim.
My Old Ass is one of those types of movies that manages to simultaneously make you laugh because of how silly it is and tugs at your heartstrings in a genuine and not overly-forced way. It makes you reflect on life the way Elliott does following the unexpected scenario of meeting her older self. The film beautifully captures all of the feelings of naivete, excitement, nervousness, trepidation, and confusion that mark a young person's coming of age and preparation to venture off to college. The conversations Elliott shares with her family, Chad, and of course her "old ass" are memorable and real.
Plus, there's a scene that includes a sing-and-dance-along to a classic but oft-forgotten Justin Bieber hit (go see the movie to find out which one!) that initially seems out of place but is honestly so funny I kind of forgave how awkwardly it was thrown in. There is also a plot twist that I truly did not see coming. (No spoilers here, I promise.) Perhaps the only thing I was left curious about and that could have potentially made the film better would have been a flashback scene or two that revealed what Elliott was like as a young child, although I'm sure writer-director Park ultimately decided this was not necessary.
Canadian pop singer Stella's film acting debut is nothing short of stellar (please forgive the corny pun) and left me hopeful that she will appear in more lead or supporting movie roles. Plaza is also excellent in the second semi-dramatic film role I've ever seen her in after 2014's About Alex and comes on the heels of her role in season 2 of The White Lotus. (HFPA, I hope you get to see this movie because these two ladies deserve at least nominations at this year's Golden Globes.) I'd be lying if I said there weren't tears welling up in my eyes toward the end of the movie. Seriously, if you're looking for a simple but sweet story instead of an overly crude comedy, an action-packed Blockbuster, a searing biopic, or a crazy horror flick, go see My Old Ass -- it's the kind of film that audiences of almost any age can appreciate.
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