My Old Ass (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Megan Park’s My Old Ass (2024) is an unexpected gem that blends comedy, drama, and a dash of time-traveling whimsy into a film that will make you laugh, cry, and rethink your life choices. Starring Maisy Stella as Elliott and Aubrey Plaza as her older self, this high-concept dramedy delivers more than its quirky title suggests. The film is not merely a stoner comedy, though it involves a mushroom-induced trip that catalyzes the story. It’s an introspective and heartfelt exploration of self-discovery, identity, family, and friendship.
Plot Summary
The story follows Elliott (Maisy Stella), an 18-year-old who is about to leave her family’s Ontario cranberry farm to attend college in Toronto. On the cusp of adulthood, Elliott spends her final summer days with her two best friends, Ro (Kerrice Brooks) and Ruthie (Maddie Ziegler). During a mushroom trip, Elliott unexpectedly encounters her 39-year-old future self, played by Aubrey Plaza. This surreal experience leads Elliott to question her life choices, relationships, and even her sexuality as she grapples with the warnings her older self provides.
What begins as a seemingly carefree teenage comedy quickly evolves into a deeper meditation on growing up, family, and the bittersweet realization that time slips away faster than we can grasp. The film tugs at your heartstrings without being overly sentimental, offering just the right amount of humor to balance out its more serious moments.
Stellar Performances
Maisy Stella shines in her feature film debut as Elliott. Her portrayal of an 18-year-old on the brink of a life-altering transition is authentic and engaging. Stella captures Elliott’s blend of teenage arrogance and vulnerability with ease, making her both relatable and endearing.
Aubrey Plaza, known for her deadpan comedic style, brings a layered performance as the older Elliott. While she retains her signature wit, Plaza adds emotional depth to the character, revealing the wisdom and regret that come with age. The chemistry between Stella and Plaza is palpable, despite their vastly different approaches to the character. Their dynamic makes the film’s central time-travel concept feel grounded and believable.
Supporting performances by Percy Hynes White, Kerrice Brooks, Maddie Ziegler, and Maria Dizzia add texture to the film, enhancing its emotional range without overshadowing the main characters. White, in particular, is charming as Chad, the farmhand who causes Elliott to question her sexuality, adding another layer of complexity to the story.
Direction and Writing
Megan Park’s direction in My Old Ass is both confident and thoughtful. Following her 2021 directorial debut The Fallout, Park once again proves she has a keen ear for dialogue and a sensitive touch with her characters. Her script navigates the tricky balance between humor and melancholy, delivering a film that feels light yet profound.
The time-travel mechanic is treated with a casualness that works in the film’s favor. Park doesn’t over-explain the logistics of how Elliott is able to communicate with her future self. Instead, she lets the relationship between the two versions of Elliott speak for itself. This decision keeps the film focused on its emotional core, rather than getting bogged down by science-fiction explanations.
The film also deftly handles themes of queerness with a natural, understated approach. Elliott assumes she’s gay but finds herself attracted to Chad, prompting her to reconsider her understanding of her own sexuality. This exploration is done in a way that feels genuine and unforced, making My Old Ass resonate with audiences who are navigating similar experiences.
Themes of Time, Family, and Identity
At its core, My Old Ass is a coming-of-age story that deals with the universal questions: What would you say to your younger self? What do you hope to learn from your older self? These questions are handled with both humor and poignancy, making the film relatable to a wide audience. While the film is anchored in Elliott’s specific experiences, its themes of self-reflection and growth are universally resonant.
The relationship between Elliott and her family, especially her mother (Maria Dizzia), is another key element of the story. Elliott’s older self urges her to cherish her family while she still has the time, a message that will likely hit home for many viewers. As Elliott prepares to leave for college, she must navigate the push and pull of wanting independence while also recognizing the importance of family ties.
Streaming Availability and Future Predictions
Currently, My Old Ass is still in theaters, but it’s likely to land on streaming services soon given its indie appeal and the increasing demand for digital releases. In the U.S., platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Apple TV+ could be likely candidates for hosting the film due to their strong track record with indie films. Since Megan Park’s previous film The Fallout was distributed through HBO Max, there’s also a possibility that My Old Ass could appear on the same platform.
For those looking to rent or purchase the film once it exits theaters, services like Google Play, Apple iTunes, and Vudu are common outlets for new indie releases. These platforms often offer both rental and purchase options, making it easy for viewers to watch from the comfort of their own homes.
Conclusion
My Old Ass is a delightful surprise that transcends its high-concept premise to deliver a heartfelt, funny, and emotionally resonant film. With standout performances from Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza, along with Megan Park’s confident direction, the film strikes a perfect balance between humor and heart. It’s a film that will leave you laughing, crying, and maybe even calling your younger (or older) self for a bit of life advice.
Whether you’re looking for a charming indie film or a thoughtful dramedy that digs deep into the complexities of identity and time, My Old Ass is one to watch — both in theaters now and soon on your favorite streaming platform.
