Sometimes when I read that a film is a “coming of age” story, it does not always conjure up excitement as many of the stories are not the best, original and are not very engaging. The title and Aubrey Plaza starring in this story absolutely caught my attention. Plaza is excellent in her many other films, and she delivers a great performance alongside a younger actress, Maisy Stella, who portrays Elliott, an 18-year-old about to leave for college. Elliott has an evening out with a couple of friends who drink tea on a camping trip, and this turns out to be an eye – opening experience for her as the summer progresses.
Writer/director Megan Park (The Fallout) has lifted the coming-of-age story into something more with the main character, Elliott (Maisy Stella), hearing from her “older self” (played by Aubrey Plaza) and the many lessons learned to help her navigate the path she takes with her family and in relationships. It may sound a bit “corny,” but there are some hilarious moments that make the “learning” easier to take in. This may be Maisy Stella’s feature film debut after 6 years of acting in the “Nashville” TV series and others, along with music videos and she uses all her skills and talent to make Elliott an engaging character. She portrayed an 18-year-old who prefers other entertainment than spending time with her parents and two siblings on the farm. She is too ready to leave for the big city.
Don’t expect to have everything spelled out for you as to how she connects with the older self or what the older self means through her advice. Watch the story of Elliott as it unfolds over the summer speeding off, just like the boat she drives in the lake by the farm. This is where some of the fine humor is found. Young Elliott is fun and living her life and yet as we see her maturing with the advice she has received, she is a character that the audience enjoys watching. There are many life choices to be made and not all appear in a life “handbook” on how to react or handle them. Many of these are relatable. To see these two actresses play two versions (in age) of the same person is a real treat with their chemistry.
There is some advice about someone named Chad and young Elliott is completely confused, but the script soon shows us that Chad (Percy Hynes White, Winter Spring Summer or Fall at Tribeca Film Festival 2024) is a summer hire at the farm. It is the charm he has that Elliott fights to fall for, after all, and this throws her life just about upside down. After a while, Elliott begins to wonder why she was given the advice in the beginning. There will be no reveal in this review. Percy Hynes White is one to keep watching for this and future releases, as he certainly showed his talent in his appealing performance in the film.
Also starring as Elliott’s best friends are Maddie Ziegler and Kerrice Brooks as Ruthie and Ro. They are also great in their performances as supportive friends and after this film, hopefully they will garner more opportunities to show off their talent. The same can be said for other cast members who portrayed authentic family members or of the community.
My Old Ass is 89 minutes long and rated R. My Old Ass screened at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and opens in theaters September 13, 2024.
Source: Amazon MGM Studios
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