A coming-of-age teen dramedy gets a sci-fi twist in Megan Park’s Sundance charmer My Old Ass. The story follows Elliott, an 18-year-old who has her whole future right in front of her. She’s young, she’s confident, and she’s eager to see what the world has in store for her. But while trying to experience a new level of consciousness through a little mushroom tea, Elliott (played by a vivacious Maisy Stella) gets in touch with a little more than just her inner self; she meets her actual self, from the future in the form of an acerbic Aubrey Plaza.
Now at age 39, older Elliott is far more cynical but offers a lifetime of advice for young Elliott to make the next few decades a tad more tolerable, like to always wear her retainer and to be nicer to her family. But above all else, she is to avoid a boy named Chad at all costs. All sensible advice that seems easy to follow, at least until said Chad arrives to make the already bizarre situation more complicated.
A teen comedy film that meshes John Hughes sensibilities with Rian Johnson’s Looper, My Old Ass asks the question: If you had the chance to change your life, would you? Is it worth sacrificing the wisdom of experience so one doesn’t have to experience the hurt?
Written and directed by Park, My Old Ass is made endearing by the charming performances from its cast, including Maddie Ziegler and Kerrice Brooks as best buds Ruthie and Ro and Maria Dizzia as mom Kathy. The talented cast, paired with a well-crafted and humorous script, creates a delightful time-travel paradox pic that can sit along with other teen comedies as a timeless treasure.
Catch this trippy tale in theaters now.
Top Image Via MGM Films
