My Old Ass

My Old Ass is a coming-of-age comedy-drama film that arrived in theaters in 2024. The film is directed and written by Megan Park, featuring a talented cast including Maisy Stella in her film debut, Percy Hynes White, Maddie Ziegler, Kerrice Brooks, and Aubrey Plaza. With a runtime of 89 minutes, the story follows Elliott, an 18-year-old girl, who meets her 39-year-old self during a psychedelic experience.

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on 20 January 2024, before being released in select theaters in the United States by Amazon MGM Studios on 13 September 2024. It also had international distribution by Warner Bros. Pictures. Upon its release, the film received positive reviews and was recognized as one of the top 10 independent films of 2024 by the National Board of Review.

The plot revolves around Elliott, who lives on her parents' cranberry farm in Muskoka Lakes, Ontario. With only three weeks until heading off to university in Toronto, she spends her summer days enjoying time with friends, working on the farm, and exploring a romance with Chelsea, a girl she has admired since middle school.

During a camping trip to celebrate her 18th birthday, Elliott shares mushroom tea with her friends, leading to a psychedelic journey. She encounters a woman claiming to be her older self. Initially doubtful, Elliott's skepticism fades as the older woman proves her identity by revealing a scar and personal knowledge about Elliott's life. This encounter offers Elliott valuable insights, urging her to cherish her family time and to steer clear of a boy named Chad.

As the story unfolds, Elliott maintains contact with her older self via phone, deepening her connection with her younger siblings. While enjoying a swim, she meets Chad, who works for her father. Despite the warning from her older self, Elliott finds herself drawn to him, leading to confusion about her sexuality. Tensions rise when Elliott discovers her parents plan to sell the farm after she leaves for school, leaving her feeling unmoored.

In an emotional climax, Elliott invites Chad to help sell her boat, where they share a heartfelt moment that leads to a kiss. This leaves Elliott anxious, prompting her to seek out her older self once more during another mushroom experience. Instead of encountering her, she imagines meeting Justin Bieber, adding a humorous twist to her psychedelic adventure. The next day, she has a candid conversation with her friend Ro about her evolving understanding of her sexuality.

As Elliott and Chad's relationship develops, they face both joy and challenges. Elliott learns that Chad is also attending her university, and they share an intimate moment that complicates her feelings further. However, a revelation from her older self warns Elliott of Chad's impending fate, leading her to weigh the risks of love against the kind of life she desires to lead.

With its beautiful Canadian backdrop and touching storyline, My Old Ass captures the bittersweet essence of youth. Critics have praised the film for its genuine characters and emotional depth. The cinematography, handled by Kristen Correll, enhances the film's nostalgic and romantic atmosphere, vividly portraying the scenic lakes and Elliott's formative experiences.

With a strong reception from audiences and critics alike, the film grossed approximately $5.7 million worldwide during its release. Critics have highlighted the film's humor combined with serious themes, delivering a heartfelt message about living in the present and embracing life's uncertainties.