It is a Dreamlike and Deeply Emotional Account of the Journey of Self Exploration
My Old Ass, directed and written by Megan Park, is a movie that came out in 2024 as a mixture of comedic and drama shocking to most what set out to define the ‘coming of age’ genre. Starring Maisy Stella in her first ever feature film alongside Aubrey Plaza, Percy Hynes White, and Maddie Ziegler, this inventive tale follows the life of an 18 year old girl who is able to meet the 39 year old version of herself during a psychedelic trip, enabling her to reflect upon decisions that will change her entire life direction. And all this happens in a world filled with laughter.
My Old Ass had the setting – Elliot, a wild Canadian teenager wishing to meet her family prior to their departure for her 18th birthday. Old, clearly wanted to travel and have fantasies, so she accepted the invitation. However, the trip she took alongside her family ended up birthgiving an entirely different life.
Elliott comes to appreciate the deeper meanings of existence through kaleidoscopic love, a feeling she first comes to know with the guidance of a rather perplexing, yet deeply affectionate stranger. These feelings trigger the start of a journey she goes on with herself, one that becomes later intertwined with her romance with charming farmhand Chad. Chad’s character is brought to life by Percy Hynes White impeccably; he challenges Elliott’s worldview, helping her break free from the shackles her life had put her in. With the wisdom of her older self, Elliott grapples with the complexities of adulthood, family expectations, and the bittersweet realities of growing up.
From Farm to Film: Behind the Scenes
My Old Ass is directed by Megan Park, who rose to fame by making The Fallout in 2021. Literally translated, the name comes from the hands of teenagers, which brings warmth to this coming of age tale. Diana is an aspiring filmmaker from Ontario. The breathtaking sceneries from the countryside beautifully complement his deep insecurities that he faces in the film. Margot Robbie took the role of executive producer and the movie was produced under LuckyChap Entertainment. With these changes, the film incorporates elements of deep sensitivity, combined with humorous beauty.
Maisy Stella is remarkable as Elliott at 18, capturing all the experience and vulnerability a teenager knows. Aubrey Plaza’s older Elliott adds a note of scathing wit and wisdom that pulls everything together and sets the tone of the film. The other characters such as Maddie Ziegler as Lila, Elliott’s best friend, and Kerrice Brooks as her loving mother set the background for this touching story.
Positive Responses From The Critics and The Success In The Festival
My Old Ass opened at the Sundance Film Festival on the January 20, 2024, where the audiences and the critics fell in love with the originality and performances of the cast. Amazon MGM Studio sold out the distribution rights for more than $15 million, which will ensure a wide release in the United States. After an initial limited run in theatres that began on September 13, 2024 the film was available on Amazon Prime Video in November. The film is now accessible worldwide.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film in question scored a “fresh” rating of 90%, which is a testimony to how well it was received with some reviews praising the chemistral performances given by Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza. In her review, Christy Lemire of RogerEbert.com noted how unique and thoroughly captivating it truly was. The balance of comedy and drama was noted by The Times as reason for them awarding it four stars. Furthermore, the Associated Press noted the potential talent Stella possesses which cements her as an up and coming acting star in the industry.
As Quoted in the title, time, growth, and identity are fairly strong issues when thinking in terms of modern society.
As with most scenarios, My Old Ass attempts to disect topics of self identity and the idea of time from a slightly different angle which is an 18 year old meeting her 39 year old self. The concept captures almost perfectly the confusion tha arises from the ambition and clarity that comes with age.
Such topics are commonly accepted to arise in between adults, and so the film tries to explore these within the storyline of the two Elliotts. With older Elliot guiding her younger self, this story teaches the viewer how to embrace spontaneity and imperfection, alongwith the fact that making mistakes encourage growth. Societal influence on young girls is a strong theme touched upon in the narrative as too much of Chad’s influence makes Elliot lose sight of the importance of love and independence.
A Very Modest Box Office Die Hard, Who Will Watch
My Old Ass had a narrow theatrical opening earning $5.7 million in worldwide revenues. While these numbers are still considered low by more mainstream standards, they are telling of the appeal indie films wield as well as the enduring popularity of streaming services. The film’s prime availability on Amazon Video ensures that its audience significantly widens, firmly establishing the film within the coming of age niche as a favorite.
Conclusion: Needs To Be Watched By Everyone In Every Generation
Adding a twist or a new angle to the coming of age films, My Old Ass matures through humor and fantasy. Megan Park bears the vision, while Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza do the heavy lifting bringing this multi-generational tale to life. This allows for an instantly relatable story to be crafted that touches on ideas of self-exploration and the randomness of life undergoing an unpredictable journey. The film’s prevailing theme facilitates its underlying profound message and the entertainment component delivers on the promise. The effortless blend of laughter and reflection is bound to foster newfound appreciation towards aging within its audience for many years to come.
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