My Old Ass
My Old Ass
A mushroom trip brings free-spirited Elliott face-to-face with her 39-year-old self. But when Elliott's "old ass" delivers warnings to her younger self, Elliott realizes she has to rethink everything about her family, life and love.
Spoons reviewedNovember 23, 2024
Meeting your future self through a psychedelic trip is a wild concept, and My Old Ass delivers a fresh take on the coming-of-age genre. Directed by Megan Park, the film follows 18-year-old Elliott (Maisy Stella) as she navigates life, love, and identity with guidance from her 39-year-old self, played by Aubrey Plaza. The premise is gold—whether it’s their phone calls across timelines or the hilariously bizarre shroom-fueled meetings, these interactions are the film’s standout moments.
Adding to its uniqueness is the twist on Elliott’s journey of self-discovery. Instead of a traditional coming-out story, Elliott has to explain her unexpected heterosexual relationship to her family and friends as a gay character. It’s a fascinating and rarely explored angle that adds depth to her struggles and growth.
While the concept is brilliant, the film could have leaned harder into its high-concept elements. The scenes between Elliott and her older self are so engaging that I found myself wanting more of them—and, frankly, more of Aubrey Plaza. The dynamic between Stella’s teenage angst and Plaza’s sharp, witty performance is fantastic, but the film doesn’t quite capitalize on that potential as much as it could have.
Still, My Old Ass is a heartfelt and funny exploration of identity and second chances. If you loved the quirkiness of Eighth Grade or the introspection of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, this film is well worth the watch.