A mushroom trip brings free-spirited Elliott face-to-face with her 39-year-old self. But when Elliott’s “old ass” delivers warnings to her younger self, Elliott realizes she has to rethink everything about her family, life, and love.
Chuck says:
Promoted as a “coming-of-age” story, Megan Park’s “My Old Ass” is far more than a ribald teen comedy. Rather, it’s a film for those who’ve lived with regret, those who wish they could turn back the clock to, what have become in retrospect, key moments in their life. As constructed, Park’s script is a deceptive exercise. Leading the viewer down a lightly comedic narrative path, it doubles back to become a poignant, genuinely moving exercise that focuses on the impact of choices, made and not made, as well as coming to terms with what fate has in store for us.
Elliott (Maisy Stella) is a young woman eager to start her life. Liberal in her thinking, she has little patience for her brothers and, like so many 18-year-olds, is convinced her parents know nothing about the world and even less about her. Starting college in the fall, she hopes to have one last memorable summer with her friends Ro and Ruthie (Kerrice Brooks and Maddie Ziegler, respectively). Keen to experience all life has to offer, the girls decide it’s time to try psychedelic drugs and score a bag of mushrooms, which they indulge in on an all-night camping trip. While Ro and Ruthie have rather predictable trips, what occurs to Elliott falls outside the realm of possibilities. She meets herself, at the age of 39 (Aubrey Plaza).
Obviously nonsensical, it proves to be a brilliant narrative device as the conversations that ensue between the Elliotts are, initially hilarious. The older version takes offense when her younger self refers to herself as middle-aged, the first of many questions that initially take the elder Elliott aback, but which, of course, she answers. Good advice is given to young Elliott as she’s told to spend more times with her brothers, be more sympathetic towards her mother, and, above all else, avoid anyone named “Chad.” Not knowing anyone by the name, she ignores this warning…that is, until she’s introduced to Chad (Percy Hynes White), a young man hired to work on his father’s cranberry farm.
While Elliott doesn’t follow all the advice given to her, the fact that she has encountered her older self makes her question everything. Of course, she begins to see her brothers and mother in a new light, but meeting her future self, shifts her perspective about a great many things in myriad ways. Suddenly, she begins to question her sexual orientation, whether she wants to college and the importance of her family farm.
Just who Chad is and why Elliott should be wary of him is the key question. He’s charming, funny and smart, seemingly posing no threat. Yet, there’s something more at play that only emerges during a climax that’s likely to blindside you.
The most immersive films are those that provide the viewer with a vicarious experience. Park knows this, as her premise is one each viewer can relate to and would likely want to participate in. Who among us hasn’t wished we could turn back the clock to rectify a past wrong, take advantage of a lost opportunity or change a decision we’ve come to regret? While the older Elliott’s presence is minimal, older viewers will be able to relate to her regret, as well as her desire to change that which has harmed her. Unfortunately, relying on an impulsive teenager proves to be problematic.
Stella, making her feature film debut, is a wonderful discovery. Having cut her teeth on television, she’s an effusive performer whose energy jumps off the screen. She’s completely winning but more importantly, relatable. She gives, at times, a broad performance, as is fitting the role, but it’s the quiet, pensive moments in which she truly shines. White equals her, which is vital to the film’s success. He conveys a sense of charm and intelligence that goes a long way towards explaining why Elliott would ignore the advice she’s given. As for Plaza, she proves once more why she’s one of the most entertaining and diverse talents of her generation. Her moments are brief, but she walks away with the film thanks to a climactic moment that’s impossible to shake.
I suspect this is the sort of movie that will have a long life. As we age and grow, our perspective changes and films of this sort offer fresh insights when we return to them over the years. As such, “Old” will continue to resonate as its story will become more meaningful as we experience more of the joy and regret life offers us.
4 Stars
