MY OLD ASS (2024) Prime Video. Set aside the rather impudent title and Megan Park's MY OLD ASS reveals itself as an enjoyable and very touching coming of age tale. Park's screenplay certainly earns it's 'R' Rating with its cheeky explicit language, but at its heart, it's a heartfelt portrait of 18 year old Elliott (Maisy Stella) during the waning days with her family on a rural farm before heading off to college. She messes around with her friends and experiments with sex and drugs.
During a chemically induced high she comes face to face with....herself. Her twenty years older self, that is. Played by Aubrey Plaza (and dubbed “My Old Ass”), her doppelganger drops some cryptic wisdom before disappearing. To Park's credit, she doesn't rely on the movie's gimmick too heavily. This 'ghost of Christmas future' character doesn't overstay her welcome. The focus remains on Elliot and her own development. She has the usual love-hate relationship with her parents and siblings. A young man, Chad (Percy Hynes White) enters the picture. Elliot has a girlfriend Ro (Kerrice Brooks) and quite reluctantly finds herself drawn to Chad. Their relationship takes on a nice arc despite the obstacles. The humor and romance flow naturally, without seeming forced. Stella and White have welcome screen presences.
While stories of young women maturing are plentiful, Park's handling is especially adroit. When the story reaches its turning point, it's genuinely poignant. It's Plaza's moment to truly shine, and she delivers - as does Stella. It's, perhaps, the movie's singular true surprise, but it works. Both versions of Both 'Elliots' take away something deep and determinative from their encounters – as will attuned viewers.
MY OLD ASS is currently streaming on Prime Video.