The Reel Review
Just weeks before leaving home for college, a free-spirited 18-year-old tripping on hallucinogenic mushrooms meets the older, wisecracking, 39-year-old version of herself, who warns her not to make certain mistakes when major life events come her way. It forces her to rethink everything she thought she knew about her family, life and love. Aubrey Plaza and Maisy Stella (Nashville) star in this fantasy/comedy from writer/director Megan Park (The Fallout).
Don’t let the title fool you – My Old Ass is a heartwarming, thoughtful, coming-of-age tale with lots of laughs and poignant messages about how an individual’s perspectives (and sometime even sexuality) can change over the course of his or her life as well as the importance of living in the present. Stella and Plaza are absolute perfection as the younger Elliott and “her old ass” version of herself, both deftly blending comedy with some surprisingly serious moments. Percy Hynes White (Wednesday) and Maria Dizzia (Martha Marcy May Marlene) also give heartfelt performances as Elliott’s love interest Chad and her mom who’s wistful about seeing her firstborn leave the nest.
From its simple, straightforward storytelling, gorgeous cranberry farm and lake setting in northern Ontario, realistic dialogue, and poignant reminders of our own past bits of nostalgia from our youths, My Old Ass is a sweet tearjerker with a big heart. Bring tissues.
REEL FACTS
• 20-year-old Maisy Stella has returned to acting after working several years as a singer. The Canadian-born actress is best known for her role from 2012-2018 as Daphne Conrad in the ABC musical TV series Nashville, where she performed song covers with her sister Lennon Stella.
• Writer/director Megan Park and Maddie Ziegler (Music, Sia’s music videos) also worked together on Park’s directorial debut, 2022’s The Fallout.
• My Old Ass was filmed in Muskoka, Canada.
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