AtanariaThe summer before college is a period brimming with expectation, tinged with uncertainty, and often marked by a search for self. In My Old Ass, a strikingly emotional and refreshingly unique film by Megan Park, this familiar coming-of-age narrative takes an unexpected twist, delving not only into the hopes and dreams of youth but also the pangs of middle-aged regret. This two-pronged emotional journey makes My Old Ass a film that transcends its genre, offering an evocative look at how we evolve, how we yearn, and how the choices we make today might echo in the years to come.
At the heart of the story is Elliott (Maisy Stella), an 18-year-old girl living in the scenic lakeside community of Muskoka, Ontario. With her eyes set on moving to Toronto for college, Elliott’s life is poised on the cusp of change. She has two loyal friends, a motorboat, and a crush on a local barista—but despite this picturesque summer setting, My Old Ass quickly reveals it’s not just about carefree youth and burgeoning romance. In a surprising narrative pivot, Elliott’s journey becomes intertwined with her future self, played with compelling depth by Aubrey Plaza, a 39-year-old Ph.D. student who suddenly appears, thanks to a hallucinogenic trip, to offer advice, warnings, and a reflection on how life may unfold.
This twist transforms My Old Ass from a typical coming-of-age story into something richer: a meditation on the complexities of growing older and the dialogue between our past and future selves. Park’s deft handling of this time-bending element doesn’t bog the film down in sci-fi logic; instead, it uses the magical realism of Elliott meeting her older self as a vehicle for poignant introspection.
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its portrayal of Elliott as a well-rounded, relatable character. Gone are the days of neatly categorized teen girl tropes—Elliott is neither a wallflower nor a queen bee. She is a capable, funny, and self-assured young woman who sometimes forgets to show up for dinner with her family but is also unafraid to apologize when she’s in the wrong. Park’s writing brings to life a teenager who is both self-sufficient and fallible, comfortable yet curious about what lies ahead. Maisy Stella’s performance as Elliott is a revelation, capturing the contradictions of adolescence with nuance and authenticity.
Equally compelling is Aubrey Plaza’s portrayal of Elliott’s older self. Plaza delivers a version of Elliott who has grown more cynical with time, bearing the weight of regrets that she gently tries to steer her younger self away from. The chemistry between Stella and Plaza is electric, imbuing their scenes with both humor and heartache. The wisdom of age clashes with the unbridled optimism of youth, and through this dialogue, the film invites audiences to consider their own missed opportunities, and whether they would make different choices if given the chance.
The supporting characters add further texture to the film’s exploration of identity and relationships. Elliott’s friends Ro (Kerrice Brooks) and Ruthie (Maddie Ziegler) join her in a reckless quest for self-discovery, while Chad (Percy Hynes White), a charming college student, becomes an unexpected presence on her family’s cranberry farm. Yet, it’s Elliott’s family—her slightly annoying but deeply loving parents and siblings—that grounds the story. In an era when teens are often depicted as rebels who disconnect from their families, My Old Ass refreshingly shows a young woman who values those relationships, even if she doesn’t always know why.
Shot in the tranquil beauty of a Canadian summer, My Old Ass has a wistful, sun-dappled aesthetic that mirrors the nostalgia-tinged atmosphere of the story itself. Muskoka’s lush landscapes and sparkling waters are the perfect backdrop for a film that constantly asks its characters—and its audience—to appreciate the present moment, before it slips away. The cinematography feels like a visual memory, enhancing the emotional impact of Elliott’s internal and external journeys.
Beyond its immediate themes of youth and possibility, My Old Ass tackles the idea of regret with poignant realism. As Elliott navigates the advice of her older self, the film subtly asks viewers: How much of our future is determined by our past? Would we change our decisions if we knew what was coming? And perhaps more importantly, should we?
Comparisons to films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Arrival are apt, as My Old Ass similarly engages with questions about time, memory, and the choices we make. Yet, it stands apart in its blend of these weighty themes with the relatable, heartfelt core of a coming-of-age story. While many films that deal with time travel or alternate realities focus on the mechanics, Park smartly avoids over-explanation, allowing the emotional truths to take center stage.
Ultimately, My Old Ass is a film about embracing the present, understanding that every phase of life holds both joy and sorrow, and learning to live with the choices we make. It’s a movie that speaks not only to teenagers on the cusp of adulthood but to anyone who has ever looked back at their younger self with a mixture of fondness and regret. Megan Park’s latest work is a cinematic gem, as bittersweet as it is hopeful, and it’s one that will linger long after the credits roll.
In Elliott’s story, we see our own: a reminder that while time moves forward, the best way to live is with full awareness of both the beauty and the fragility of each moment.
