In an era where authentic female voices are still fighting to be heard, My Old Ass, a delightful and heartfelt coming-of-age comedy, has emerged as a fresh and powerful addition to the genre. Starring the dynamic duo of Aubrey Plaza and Maisy Stella, and directed by Megan Park, the film delivers a captivating story about love, self-discovery, and the timeless question: If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
My Old Ass has been embraced by critics and audiences alike, earning an impressive 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, and quickly becoming a standout in the realm of female-driven films. But why has this genre been so overlooked, and what makes My Old Ass such a special contribution to the conversation?
The Plot of ‘My Old Ass’: A Creative Journey Through Time
At its core, My Old Ass follows Elliott, an 18-year-old girl played by Maisy Stella, who unexpectedly comes face-to-face with her older self, portrayed by Aubrey Plaza. The older Elliott offers sage, albeit stern, advice about her love life, triggering a fascinating and often humorous journey of introspection and growth. Their encounter, which occurs during a psychedelic mushroom trip, becomes the film’s central catalyst for change, pushing Elliott to reflect on her future and the potential pitfalls she may encounter.
The film strikes a delicate balance between heartwarming and hilarious, as Elliott grapples with the kind of existential questions we all face as we transition from youth into adulthood. However, this is not your typical romantic comedy — it’s also a story of healing, grief, and ultimately, self-love.
Aubrey Plaza’s Connection to the Story
Known for her deadpan wit and versatile acting, Aubrey Plaza has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most in-demand talents. Whether starring in The White Lotus or playing dark, enigmatic characters like in Megalopolis, Plaza always brings a unique energy to the screen. Her role in My Old Ass, however, is something more personal.
“It really touched me,” Plaza admitted when discussing her decision to join the project. “I felt very much that [Megan Park] had something to say with the film, and that she was gonna do it the right way.” This deep connection to the material is evident in her performance. Plaza’s older Elliott isn’t just a quirky sidekick offering guidance; she is a fully fleshed-out character with her own emotional baggage, regrets, and hopes for the younger version of herself.
For Plaza, this film isn’t just a comedy — it’s a love story. “Even though it’s so sad — there’s something sad and kind of intense happening — it really ultimately is a love story.” That focus on love, not just romantic, but love of self and life, is what sets My Old Ass apart from many other films in the genre.
Why Are Female-Focused Coming-of-Age Films So Rare?
Despite the critical and commercial success of films like Lady Bird and Booksmart, the female-focused coming-of-age genre remains underrepresented. Aubrey Plaza and Maisy Stella have their own theories as to why.
Plaza believes that part of the issue lies in the fact that there are still too few female directors. “I think it’s hard to get it right and I think we’re still in a time where female directors, statistically, there just aren’t as many of them,” she explained. Plaza emphasized the importance of lifting up female voices and making space for stories that center around women’s experiences.
Stella agreed, adding that films like My Old Ass are simply hard to make. “They are hard to nail and they’re hard to write and they’re hard to get made. It takes a lot of trust.” That trust — in writers, directors, and actors — is crucial in creating films that resonate with audiences, particularly younger women who are searching for stories that reflect their own lives.
A Fresh Perspective on Love and Healing
One of the most poignant elements of My Old Ass is its approach to love. Though it may not be immediately obvious, the film is, at its heart, a love story. But rather than focusing solely on romantic love, My Old Ass explores love in all its forms: the love between friends, the love we have for ourselves, and the love we sometimes lose along the way.
For Plaza, the film’s message is one of healing. “I hope people feel the healing of it all,” she said. Indeed, Elliott’s journey is not just about navigating young love, but about learning to heal from the past and make peace with the future. It’s a message that feels especially relevant in today’s world, where many young people are grappling with uncertainty and fear about the future.
The Power of Female Storytelling
Ultimately, My Old Ass stands as a testament to the power of female storytelling. It’s a film that is unabashedly honest, at times painfully so, but always hopeful. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is room for growth, love, and healing. And perhaps more importantly, it shows us that these stories — female stories — are worth telling.
FAQs
What is My Old Ass about?
My Old Ass follows Elliott, an 18-year-old who comes face-to-face with her older self during a psychedelic trip, leading her on a journey of self-discovery, love, and healing.
Why are female-focused coming-of-age films so rare?
Aubrey Plaza and Maisy Stella believe the lack of female directors and the challenges of writing and producing such films contribute to their rarity.
Who stars in My Old Ass?
The film stars Aubrey Plaza as older Elliott and Maisy Stella as 18-year-old Elliott.
Is My Old Ass a comedy or a drama?
The film is a coming-of-age comedy, but it also delves into themes of grief, love, and healing, making it both heartwarming and emotionally intense.
How does My Old Ass compare to films like Lady Bird and Booksmart?
While it shares the female-focused coming-of-age theme, My Old Ass takes a more philosophical approach, exploring love and healing from multiple perspectives.
Why did Maisy Stella take a break from acting?
After her time on Nashville, Stella took a four-year hiatus to live a “normal” life, which she says helped prepare her for her role in My Old Ass.
Conclusion
In a landscape where female-driven stories are often overlooked, My Old Ass offers a fresh and bold take on the coming-of-age genre. Aubrey Plaza and Maisy Stella deliver unforgettable performances in a film that is as heartfelt as it is humorous. As we continue to push for more female voices in Hollywood, films like My Old Ass are a reminder of the importance of storytelling that speaks to the experiences of young women everywhere. This is not just a film about growing up
