MY OLD ASS (2024)

Release Date: 22 September 2024
Director: Megan Park
Starring: Maisy Stella, Aubrey Plaza, Maddie Ziegler

Well, folks, Amazon Prime got me this time. I was in one of those moods—Netflix fatigue, glass of wine in hand, ready to hit play on something to kill a couple of hours. That’s when I remembered My Old Ass, a movie I’d seen teased a few months ago. It stars Aubrey Plaza (love her!) and had a quirky enough title to stand out. So, I thought, Why not? Let’s do this!

What unfolded was an intriguing mix of charm, humor, and missed potential that kept me sipping on that wine just a little faster than usual.

A Trip in Every Sense of the Word

The movie kicks off with three teenage girls—Elliott (played by Maisy Stella), Ro (Kerrice Brooks), and Ruthie (Maddie Ziegler)—on a camping trip deep in the Canadian woods. They’re laughing, joking, and, naturally, getting high on magic mushrooms (yes, those kinds of mushrooms). I did some Googling, as any “serious” reviewer would, and apparently, they were tripping on psilocybin. Educational, right?

Things start to get weird when Elliott, already on the cusp of big life changes—she’s heading to college in Toronto soon—has a vision of her future self. And who’s playing 39-year-old Elliott? None other than Aubrey Plaza, delivering her signature deadpan humor with a sprinkle of sage wisdom. The setup had me hooked. I mean, the idea of meeting your older self and getting cryptic life advice? That’s a premise with endless possibilities.

The High Points

Let’s talk about Elliott for a second. Maisy Stella is the star here, and wow, she’s good. I did my usual habit of pausing the movie halfway through to look her up (don’t judge me). Turns out, she’s just 20, but she carries the film with such confidence and natural ease that it’s hard to believe she’s so young. Her portrayal of Elliott is layered—equal parts restless teenager, vulnerable dreamer, and self-assured queer protagonist.

Speaking of queerness, I appreciated how My Old Ass handled Elliott’s sexuality. It’s not forced or over-explained; she simply assumes she’s gay because she’s attracted to girls. But then there’s Chad (played by Percy Hynes White), the goofy, lovable farmhand who makes her question her assumptions. Their dynamic is sweet, filled with awkward yet meaningful moments, and it highlights the messy, complicated journey of figuring out who you are and what you want.

The scenes between Maisy and Aubrey are another high point. There’s a playful banter between the two that’s genuinely funny. Plaza nails the older, wiser-but-still-cynical version of Elliott, dropping one-liners like, “Stay away from Chad,” with a mysterious smirk. The dynamic feels fresh, even as the script occasionally dips into familiar territory.

Missed Opportunities

While the movie has its charm, I couldn’t help but feel like it missed the mark in some areas. The concept of talking to your future self is so rich with potential, but the film only scratches the surface. Sure, we get some cryptic advice and vague warnings about life ahead (like a casual “I miss water” comment that goes unexplained), but it never really dives into the deeper emotional or existential questions.

Why can Elliott communicate with her future self? Why does this magical shroom-induced time travel happen at all? The movie shrugs and says, “Don’t worry about it.” That whimsical aloofness can be endearing to a point, but after a while, it starts to feel like the filmmakers didn’t want to do the hard work of fully exploring their own premise.

And then there’s Chad. Without spoiling too much, there’s a reason Future Elliott warns against him, but it feels underdeveloped. Percy Hynes White brings plenty of charm to the role, but the stakes surrounding his character never feel high enough to justify the ominous warning.

The Emotional Core

At its heart, My Old Ass is about relationships—family, friends, and the complicated relationship we have with our own future selves. The message about cherishing those close to you is sweet, if not a little on the nose. It’s clear the film wants to tug at your heartstrings, and while it succeeds in moments, there’s also a sense of emotional manipulation.

For example, Elliott’s relationship with her parents is touched on but never fully explored. We get hints of tension and unspoken love, but it’s all left a bit too vague. I found myself wanting more depth—more scenes that really delved into what makes Elliott tick and how her relationships shape her.

The Aesthetic and Atmosphere

Visually, the movie is a treat. Megan Park, who previously directed The Fallout, has a knack for capturing the small, intimate moments that make a story like this work. The forest scenes are beautifully shot, with soft lighting and earthy tones that give the whole thing a dreamy, otherworldly feel. It’s the kind of movie that makes you want to go camping (minus the shrooms, of course).

The pacing, however, is hit-or-miss. At just over 90 minutes, it’s a breezy watch, but some scenes drag, while others feel rushed. It’s like the movie can’t decide whether it wants to be a laid-back indie flick or a tightly-plotted character study.

Final Thoughts

So, where does that leave us? My Old Ass is the kind of movie you put on when you’re in the mood for something light but not completely brainless. It has charm, humor, and a strong lead performance from Maisy Stella, who is absolutely a talent to watch. Aubrey Plaza brings her usual magic, and the movie’s exploration of sexuality and self-discovery feels refreshingly natural.

But for all its potential, the film never quite soars. The high-concept premise of meeting your older self is underutilized, and the emotional beats, while sweet, often feel too safe. It’s like the movie is afraid to dig too deep or take any big risks, which leaves it feeling, well, average.

Would I watch it again? Probably not. But was it a total waste of time? Nah. With a glass of wine in hand, it’s a decent way to spend an evening. Just don’t expect it to blow your mind.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 10 stars)

Until next time, keep the wine flowing and the movie picks questionable! Cheers! 🍷