Film Review: ‘My Old Ass’ Brings Surprises with Aubrey Plaza and Maisy Stella

(Originally published on Blogcritics.org )

Sometimes you think you know exactly what you’re going to see in a new film, but as it unfolds you get surprised, and that was the case with the new comedy, My Old Ass. For me, the surprises were happy ones, involving the acting, the plot and the tone of the film.

Have you ever heard the question, “If you could go back in time and talk to your teenage self, what advice would you give to yourself?” That is the premise of My Old Ass but told from the perspective of the teenager receiving the advice.

Action!

The first pleasant surprise: the acting.

My Old Ass stars Maisy Stella (Daphne Conrad on Nashville ) who is the younger version of the protagonist, somehow named Elliott. The Older Elliott comes alive through the work of Aubrey Plaza, probably best known as the character April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation .

Both actresses contribute to creating a memorable protagonist.

This was Maisy Stella’s first feature, although she had been on Nashville from ages eight to fifteen. She initially shows us a confused, out-of-control 18-year-old getting ready to say goodbye to her parents and childhood home and go off to college. She encounters Older Elliott after she and her friends take some “shrooms”. From that point reality becomes blurred and she trips through a wide range of problems and emotions.

Aubrey Plaza, known for dark characters such as in Ingrid Goes West or An Evening with Beverly Luff Linn , does her typically outstanding job ?bringing to life a sensitive transformation. Initially spooky and stand-offish, her character evolves to reveal the hurt which motivated her trip through 20 years of time.

Make Me Laugh

Given the premise of the film, its “R” rating, and the title, I was expecting continuous wackiness and sight gags. You will find laugh-out-loud moments, but many moments elicit sighs and tears.

The genre of My Old Ass definitely cries out “coming-of-age comedy” with a touch of fantasy. But as with many films from this genre, you will find elements of family drama, rom-com, and adventure. The film takes you on a complex trip.

One more genre: Early in the story, Aubrey Plaza’s character warns her younger self about something. This establishes a mystery which lasts for most of the film.

Park Here

Megan Park wrote the screenplay and directed My Old Ass. Park’s experience also includes extensive work as an actress. She discussed making the film in an interview sponsored by the Sundance Institute.

My Old Ass was the second film that Park wrote and directed. About her writing, she explained, “I write unconditionally. I think about it a lot before I start writing. I was in a really heavy head space before I started writing this film. I thought about it for a year. I never do an outline. I never knew exactly what was going to happen till I started writing.”

On directing, Park said that she took a relaxed approach. “It helps that I write everything I direct, so I know it inside and out. Also, try not to be too precious with anything. Just try to go with the flow and lean into what’s working.”

You can watch the preview for My Old Ass linked below. The film is showing in select theatres now, expands on September 20, and goes nationwide on September 27.