As a seasoned gamer who has navigated through countless virtual worlds and lived multiple digital lives, let me tell you that My Old Ass is not just another game level, it’s an immersive, heartfelt journey that transcends the boundaries of pixels and screens. This coming-of-age dramedy, written and directed by Megan Park, has left an indelible mark on my gaming heart.
In simpler terms, this movie titled “My Old Self” delves into a relatable journey where a character, played by Maisy Stella as Elliott Labrant, trips on mushrooms and encounters Aubrey Plaza, who offers guidance. The film is a heartwarming dramedy directed by Megan Park, known for her work in “The Fallout” from 2021. In this movie, Elliott interacts with her 39-year-old self. This thought-provoking film premiered at Sundance and is eagerly awaited for its theatrical release. It’s a touching, unmissable coming-of-age film that stands out as the best of the year.
As a devoted film enthusiast, I can’t help but express my eagerness for everyone to catch this remarkable movie and engage in heartfelt discussions about it. The production duo, Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley, who recently brought us Barbie and Saltburn last year, have once again graced our screens with a cinematic gem. This movie is destined to be the center of conversation, given its exceptional quality.
Initially, I had doubts about the movie. The humor was alright, but the overall vibe seemed somewhat subdued. This could have been due to the absence of background music, particularly during the scene when Older Elliott makes his first appearance, where it might have added impact. At the start, it feels a bit awkward and takes some time to sync with its rhythm. Yet, throughout the entire film, Stella’s acting stands out consistently. She is charming, making her character someone you can root for despite her flaws and messiness, which are quite typical for someone her age.
One aspect of her portrayal I noticed from the start was its lack of resemblance to an Aubrey Plaza imitation. It could be logical for someone to mimic a well-known actor depicting their older self, as Joseph Gordon-Levitt did with Bruce Willis in Looper. However, this isn’t the case here because Plaza is quite distinctive, and yet, both young and old Elliott seem like the same individual. This consistency is partly due to Plaza having less screen time than expected, but also because Stella portrays the character with a heartfelt authenticity that wouldn’t be achievable if she were simply copying Plaza’s mannerisms.
My Old Ass does a phenomenal job of posing the question: what would you tell your younger self? The screenplay expertly weaves in profound emotional ideas grounded in a person advising their younger self to avoid making the mistakes they know they’ll make. The film picks up considerably during the second half while crafting a nuanced, well-crafted view of Elliott’s sexuality. While Older Elliott is not onscreen as much as expected, it works because this film is about the younger Elliott. Too much Aubrey Plaza could have her steal the limelight, so the film works perfectly as this movie star vehicle for Maisy Stella.
This movie offers a thoughtful, audience-appealing narrative that strikes on multiple emotional levels. As older Elliott cautions her younger self against a boy named Chad, it’s only a matter of time before they cross paths. When the reason for Older Elliott’s warning is finally revealed, it’s heartrendingly real and carries an authentic emotional weight. The dialogue throughout the movie showcases remarkable skill, with Stella and Percy Hynes White adding warmth to their characters. The dialogue seems genuine, and Park excellently crafts lines that make the characters laugh rather than the audience.
In the film, the dialogue frequently mirrors the speech pattern of Generation Z, and there’s at least one scene featuring Elliott (played by Maria Dizzia) and her mother that resonates deeply with anyone who has a close bond with their mom. The movie masterfully presents both perspectives, illustrating that Elliott can gain wisdom from her more seasoned, knowledgeable older self, while also showing that her older self can benefit from the carefree, mistake-prone spirit of her younger self.
In summary, the film “My Old Ass” is a captivating production with a poignant tone that will stir deep emotions within you. It concludes on a heartwarming note that may find you shedding tears while still managing a smile. Maddie Ziegler and Kerrice Brooks are delightful additions to the cast as Elliott’s friends. This movie, with its poignant exploration of relatable coming-of-age themes and strong LGBTQ+ representation, will resonate deeply with viewers. It is one of the standout films of the year, making it a must-see on your watchlist.
SCORE: 8/10
According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 8 signifies “Excellent.” Although there are a handful of small flaws, this grade indicates that the artwork achieves its objective and leaves a lasting impression.
Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our My Old Ass review.
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2024-09-14 00:40