By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
What if you could receive wisdom from your future self? Imagine being 18-years old, navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence, when suddenly, an unexpected visitor—your 39-year-old self—arrives to offer guidance and perspective. Well, that's the premise at the heart of the coming-of-age drama,
"My Old Ass" from director/screenwriter
Megan Park ("The Fallout").
With its blend of humor and drama, this charming little film explores the complexities of growing up, the choices we make, and the sometimes-messy journey of self-discovery.
Maisy Stella (TV's "Nashville") shines as Elliott, a spirited 18-year-old eager to escape her quaint picturesque lakeside home near Ontario, Canada. Despite her beautiful surroundings, Elliott dreams of breaking free from the family cranberry farm, where she works along with her mother Kathy (Maria Dizzia, "We Strangers"), father Tom (Alain Goulem, "Under Paris"), and younger brothers Max (Seth Isaac Johnson, TV's "Firefly Lane") and Spencer (Carter Trozzolo, TV's "The Fabulous Show With Fay and Fluffy").
As Elliott counts down to her college adventure at the University of Toronto, she savors her last moments with her girlfriend Chelsea (Alexandra Riviera in her debut), and best friends Ruthie (Maddie Ziegler, "West Side Story") and Ro (a funny Kerrice Brooks, "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy").
To celebrate her birthday, Elliott plans an exciting camping trip, whisking Ruthie and Ro away on her little motorboat to a secluded lakeside spot. The day is set for laughter, magic mushrooms, and nostalgic reminiscing—though Elliott seems to have forgotten about her family birthday celebration waiting back home.
Once the trio indulges in their mushroom-infused tea, they find themselves spiraling into a whimsical trip where reality blurs. Elliott's hallucinatory experience brings forth an unexpected visitor: an older, wiser version of herself, (a splendid Aubrey Plaza, "Megalopolis").
Their conversations unfold with bluntness, as the older Elliott offers a glimpse into the future, addressing young Elliott's barrage of questions. However, the mood shifts when the older version warns her about a certain guy named Chad (a scene-stealing Percy Hynes White, "Wednesday"), igniting curiosity and concern.
Chad, who works on the family cranberry farm, becomes an unexpected focal point of young Elliott's internal struggle. Initially dismissive, she can't help but feel drawn to him, leading to a whirlwind of confusion about her emotions. As their conversations deepen, young Elliott grapples with her burgeoning attraction to Chad, despite her established preference for girls.
"My Old Ass" distinguishes itself from typical teen rom-coms—not only through its silly title, but also with its authentic characters and unexpected narrative twists. The chemistry between Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza truly captures much of the bittersweet essence of growing up. The older Elliott serves not just as a guide but as a mirror, forcing both the character and the audience to confront the realities of aging, wisdom, and questioning how the decisions we make shape who we become.
In the end, young Elliott's camping trip becomes more than just a celebration; it transforms into a rite of passage. With each revelation, she learns that the path to adulthood is fraught with uncertainty, but it is also filled with valuable lessons along the way.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For
"MY OLD ASS"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
