My Old Ass Review

Story:
On her 18th birthday, Elliott is celebrating with friends and experimenting with mushroom tea when she has an extraordinary encounter—her 39-year-old self appears before her. The older Elliott offers cryptic warnings about the future, leading to a profound transformation in how young Elliott views her family, friends, and boyfriend.

Review:
My Old Ass is a delightful blend of fantasy, comedy, and drama with the warmth of a coming-of-age story. It’s a feel-good movie that’s easy to enjoy, delivering moments of laughter and reflection. Although the concept of time travel might sound complex, the film focuses on something simpler—Elliott’s journey to discover herself and navigate her identity, including questions about her sexuality.

The story follows Elliott (played by Maisy Stella) as she celebrates her 18th birthday by a lakeside in the woods with her best friends, Ro (Kerrice Brooks) and Ruthie (Maddie Ziegler). She’s preparing to leave her family’s cranberry farm in Canada and start college in Toronto. When her friends brew mushroom tea, their trip takes a surreal turn—Elliott meets her 39-year-old self (played by Aubrey Plaza).

Initially skeptical, Elliott starts trusting her older self when she points out specific shared features to prove her identity. The older Elliott advises her to prioritize her family and warns her to stay away from a boy named Chad (Percy Hynes White). However, Elliott soon meets Chad while swimming in the lake and is instantly drawn to him, ignoring her older self’s warning. Despite her initial resistance, a romantic connection forms, leading to a surprising revelation when Elliott confronts her future self again.

The film delivers an easy-to-watch experience with an inventive yet straightforward premise. The script balances light humor with Elliott’s emotional journey, especially her evolving views on family, relationships, and her sexuality. It’s a relatable coming-of-age story for teens and young adults, emphasizing the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones.

Maisy Stella gives an authentic performance as Elliott, making her character’s dilemmas and growth feel relatable and genuine. Percy Hynes White is effortlessly charming as Chad, bringing an irresistible energy to his role. Aubrey Plaza, in her brief but impactful appearance, leaves a lasting impression as the older Elliott.

Director Megan Park crafts a nostalgic, heartfelt film that resonates with viewers by keeping the story simple and relatable. The gentle pacing allows key moments to linger, creating an emotional connection. A particularly touching scene toward the climax, where older Elliott shares a final hug with Chad, is sure to leave a mark.

While My Old Ass may not be perfect, it offers a heartwarming and entertaining experience that stays with you. Its nostalgic charm and focus on self-discovery make it a memorable watch for those who enjoy lighthearted, meaningful stories.

Plus Points:

1. Unique Premise: The time-travel element adds an intriguing twist to the coming-of-age genre, making the story stand out.
2. Relatable Themes: The film tackles universal themes like self-discovery, family, friendships, and exploring one’s identity, which resonate with a wide audience.
3. Strong Performances: Maisy Stella delivers a convincing and heartfelt portrayal of Elliott, while Aubrey Plaza’s brief role as the older Elliott leaves a lasting impression.
4. Balanced Tone: The film blends humor and emotional depth seamlessly, offering moments of both lighthearted fun and genuine reflection.
5. Simple and Accessible: Despite its fantasy premise, the story remains easy to follow, making it enjoyable for viewers of all ages.
6. Memorable Moments: Emotional scenes, especially towards the climax, leave a strong impact and give the movie a lasting impression.
7. Charming Nostalgia: The film’s setting and tone evoke a sense of simplicity and warmth, appealing to those who enjoy feel-good stories.

Minus Points:

1. Predictable Plot: Some viewers might find the storyline too straightforward, with key twists being easy to anticipate.
2. Limited Depth: While the film touches on deep themes, it doesn’t explore them as thoroughly as it could, leaving some questions unanswered.
3. Character Development: Supporting characters like Ro and Ruthie could have been given more depth and backstory.
4. Slow Pacing: The film’s gentle pacing might feel sluggish to those who prefer fast-moving narratives.
5. Brief Screen Time for Older Elliott: Aubrey Plaza’s role, though impactful, is relatively short and could have been expanded to add more depth to the time-travel dynamic.
6. Simplistic Resolution: The ending wraps up neatly, which may feel unrealistic or unsatisfying for viewers seeking more complexity.
7. Missed Opportunities: The fantasy element could have been further developed to explore more creative scenarios or consequences.