We have all had that feeling: what if my older self could advise my younger self on what not to do? This scenario is the entire premise of My Old Ass. What would you tell your younger self to avoid, if you could, to make your life so much better? The reality is that sometimes you can become a better and more fuller self because of these poor choices. Either way, this inventive film poses this scenario that is not too apparent until more is revealed during this protagonist’s journey.
Maisy Stella stars as Elliot Labrant, a high school senior about to leave her home for college, and believes she has her life all figured out. During a camping trip with her closest friends, Elliot consumes some psychedelic mushrooms with her confidants and is introduced to a much older version of herself. Aubrey Plaza portrays the older Elliot and advises that her younger version should stay away from a certain young man who has already expressed some interest in her. While the young Elliot initially takes this suggestion with a grain of salt, she learns more about herself and the choices that can affect her future with the words of wisdom from the “future.”
Written and directed by Megan Park, My Old Ass is a highly lovable coming-of-age story that offers some genuine life lessons. Park delivers an entertaining and heartfelt mixture of the realities of maturity while making a compelling case for the choices we would actually make in life. The movie offers audiences a compelling glimpse into the life of a modern teenage girl who is almost clueless about where her life could take her. Actor Maisy Stella does an outstanding job of portraying a troubled teen whose voice from the future conflicts with her natural leanings.
My Old Ass is getting a limited theatrical release, but will eventually be available for streaming on Amazon Prime. It is a sweet, sentimental, and funny film that deserves some attention both in the theater and via streaming.