'My Old Ass' Is One of the Best Coming-of-Age Films in Years
My Old Ass took me by surprise in the best way possible. What starts as a low-key coming of age story quickly unfolds into something pretty unforgettable—a film that charms you when you least expect it.
Released on Prime Video earlier this month, My Old Ass didn’t initially make my must-see list. I’d heard the buzz for it coming out of Sundance earlier in the year, but I only just got around to watching it last week. And now, I can confidently say this is one of the most original and deeply resonant coming-of-age films in years.
This is the kind of movie that reminds you why the genre resonates so deeply when handled by filmmakers who truly understand the complexity of growing up. Writer-director Megan Park (The Fallout) has crafted a story that feels deeply personal and uniquely authentic.
The film centers on Elliot, a sharp and rebellious teenager on the brink of leaving home for college. Her world is the picturesque countryside of the Muskoka Lakes, a serene backdrop for her chaotic inner life. On her 18th birthday, Elliot takes mushrooms with her friends, and through a touch of magical realism, she encounters her 39-year-old self. The older Elliot offers cryptic words of wisdom and a warning, setting the younger Elliot on a path that will change her life forever.
It’s a premise that could’ve easily veered into overly whimsical or saccharine territory, but My Old Ass handles it with unexpected depth and humor. The film doesn’t lean too heavily on its fantastical elements, instead using them to enrich the emotional journey of its characters.
What I loved most about My Old Ass was its ability to surprise me—not just with its story but with its depth and emotional resonance. Watching the trailer, I thought I had a sense of where this movie was going. I was wrong. The narrative unfolds in unexpected ways, and the characters feel so alive, so full of dimension, that you quickly become invested in their lives.
Unlike many teen-centric movies that rely on clichés or archetypes, the young characters in My Old Ass feel refreshingly authentic. They’re messy, awkward, and imperfect in a way that I found relatable. While I love sharp, hyper-clever teen characters like the ones in Bottoms or Heathers, there’s something uniquely engaging about watching teens who actually act like teens. It’s this grounded portrayal that makes their relationships feel so believable and their struggles so affecting.
Maisy Stella stars as the younger Elliot, and her performance is completely captivating. You might recognize Stella from the TV show Nashville, but this is her film debut, and she’s simply amazing. Stella brings so much charisma to the role, grounding Elliot with an emotional depth that feels effortless. Her performance is filled with nuance, capturing the uncertainty, resilience, and humor of a teenager on the cusp of adulthood.
Stella’s work here is a star-making turn. It’s not hard to imagine her becoming a major name in the years to come, and if My Old Ass is any indication, she has the talent to take on a wide range of roles.
Aubrey Plaza, as the older Elliot, is also great. Plaza brings her trademark deadpan wit but tempers it with a melancholy that makes her version of Elliot feel distinct yet connected to her younger self. Together, Stella and Plaza create a fascinating portrait of the same person at two very different stages of life, and their dynamic is one of the film’s greatest strengths.
The relationship between the two Elliots drives much of the film’s drama and humor. Thanks to the film’s magical realist elements, they can call and text each other after their initial meeting. While the mechanics of this connection are never fully explained, it doesn’t matter. The emotional and comedic payoff is so rich that you’re more than willing to suspend disbelief.
The film never gets bogged down in trying to justify its fantastical premise. Instead, it focuses on the human moments—moments of humor, frustration, and connection that make the story feel both relatable and impactful.
Of course, no film is without its critics, and My Old Ass has sparked some valid conversations, particularly about its handling of Elliot’s sexuality. Early in the film, Elliot identifies as a girl who likes girls, but as the story progresses, she begins to develop romantic feelings for Chad, a straight boy played by Percy Hynes White (Wednesday). Some have criticized this as “lesbian erasure,” and while that perspective is entirely valid, the film also leaves room for another interpretation: Elliot isn’t discovering she’s straight; she’s discovering she’s bi or pan.
The movie even addresses this development in a thoughtful way, making it clear that Elliot’s journey is about self-discovery rather than fitting into a predefined label. It’s a nuanced approach, though it may not resonate with every viewer.
What makes My Old Ass so remarkable is how it balances the familiar and the new. It’s a comforting, nostalgic coming-of-age story that still manages to feel fresh and exciting. Megan Park’s direction is honest and assured, capturing the complexities of adolescence and adulthood with a sharp eye for detail.
This is one of my favorite dramedies of the year, right up there with A Real Pain. It’s funny, warm, and moving—a rare combination that cements it as a modern classic in the coming-of-age genre. My Old Ass deserves to be remembered as one of the best of 2024.
