In Megan Park’s new film My Old Ass, a psychedelic mushroom trip sets the stage for a whimsical, time-bending coming-of-age tale. Elliott, an 18-year-old restless teen from Canada, finds herself face-to-face with an unexpected visitor—her future self, a 39-year-old version who drops in during an unusually high campfire moment. “Dude, I’m you,” the older Elliott casually announces, launching into a mix of nostalgia and life lessons that form the heart of this comedic yet touching film.
After proving her identity through shared childhood memories, a scar, and even body quirks, the older Elliott begins imparting advice to her younger self. Among her sage wisdom: be kind to your family and steer clear of a guy named Chad. “Can we hug?” the older Elliott asks, sealing the bizarre encounter with an embrace, followed by an even more awkward request for a kiss from the younger Elliott—just to know what it’s like to kiss herself.
This quirky device is the foundation of My Old Ass, which director-writer Megan Park uses to explore the complexities of self-reflection and growth. While the premise is promising, the execution feels uneven, though Park ultimately manages to stick the landing.
One notable drawback is that the two actresses playing Elliott—Maisy Stella as the younger version and Aubrey Plaza as the older—don’t resemble each other much, which can be distracting. Despite the visual disconnect, both deliver strong performances that help carry the film.
The story unfolds as young Elliott prepares to leave her small hometown in Muskoka Lakes, longing to escape life on a cranberry farm for college in Toronto. Meanwhile, she takes her older self’s advice to mend her strained relationships with her siblings—an older brother obsessed with golf and a younger brother fixated on actress Saoirse Ronan. Park excels in capturing the dynamics between siblings, with dialogue and scenes that feel genuine and unrushed.
But then there’s Chad. Sweet, thoughtful, goofy, and seemingly perfect for Elliott, Chad (played charmingly by Percy Hynes White) is at the center of the film’s mystery. Why does the older Elliott insist that her younger self stay away from him? The film raises this question as young Elliott grapples with her conflicting feelings about the relationship.
My Old Ass is ultimately two films in one: a poignant coming-of-age story and a time-travel comedy. The tonal shifts between the zany interactions with the older Elliott and the more heartfelt moments with family and Chad threaten to tear the movie in different directions. However, Park deftly navigates these contrasting elements, particularly excelling in moments that explore life’s transitions—those bittersweet experiences that shape who we become.
A standout scene, fueled by a psychedelic dream sequence, features a Justin Bieber concert, injecting humor into the film while highlighting Park’s ability to blend whimsy with deeper emotions. The film also touches on profound themes about fleeting moments, with beautiful lines from both Chad and Elliott’s mother (portrayed by Maria Dizzia) that emphasize how small shifts in life can leave lasting impacts.
In the end, the film’s resolution is satisfying, if not entirely surprising. The younger Elliott offers wise advice to her older self, flipping the script in a heartfelt conclusion. While Chad nearly derails the story at times, Park keeps the focus where it belongs—on Elliott’s journey of self-discovery. Watching her literally and metaphorically steer her own boat by the end is a rewarding payoff for viewers.
My Old Ass, released by Amazon MGM Studios, opens in theaters in New York and Los Angeles this Friday and will expand nationwide on September 27. The film is rated R for language, drug use, and sexual content, with a runtime of 89 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
