Imagine your older self visiting to give guidance on how to live your best life. Writer-director Megan Park (The Fallout) tries it out in the quirky comedy My Old Ass. And it works a treat.
Elliott Labrant (Maisy Stella) has just turned 18 and is full of life. She can’t wait to leave behind her gentle rural existence (her parents run a cranberry farm) to study in the big smoke. Elliott takes her best friends Ruthie (Maddie Ziegler) and Ro (Kerrice Brooks) on a boat trip to a nearby island. They spend the night tripping out on magic mushrooms.
In Elliot’s case, that means coming face to face with her 39-year-old self (Aubrey Plaza), who is about to give her some life lessons. Among these is to spend more time with her mother and siblings; and, importantly, to avoid anyone named Chad. As a result, young Elliott ramps up her appreciation of family. But when she unexpectedly meets Chad (Percy Hynes White), she can’t compute her older self’s warning. Chad has taken a job on the cranberry farm. Despite trying to evade him, Elliott finds herself increasingly drawn to him. To this point, she has been a buoyant lesbian, but that is about to change. Chad is decent, funny and a real charmer … and so it begins.
My Old Ass is a delight. I adored its idiosyncrasy and joie de vivre. Park pieces the film together beautifully, imbuing it with warmth and good humour.
Maisy Stella is a breath of fresh air as young Elliott. She has an infectious zest about her, as she tackles life head on. Aubrey Plaza (Megalopolis) brings the perfect blend of world weariness and attitude to her role as the older Elliott. What a joy to watch her in action.Percy Hynes White shines as Elliott’s ardent but respectful suitor. The three make a heady combination. Maria Dizzia also presents well as Elliott’s mother.
With its smart one-liners and engaging sight gags, My Old Ass ticks all the boxes. As I watched the zany plot unfold, it put a big smile on my face.
Alex First
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Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
