'My Old Ass' review: A witty exploration through time and self-discovery

Courtesy of MGM/Amazon

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The age-old question of what we would say to our younger selves takes center stage in “My Old Ass,” a poignant yet familiar comedy from writer-director Megan Parks. The film operates on its own terms, avoiding oversimplification and excessive exposition about how an 18-year-old encounters their 39-year-old self. It simply unfolds, inviting the audience to trust the filmmakers’ vision—think “Frequency” reimagined for a younger demographic.

And for the most part, it works. Elliott (Maisy Stella, a remarkable discovery) is preparing to leave her family’s cranberry farm for college in Toronto. In a final adventure with her friends, Ro (Kerrice Brooks) and Ruthie (Maddie Ziegler), she embarks on a mushroom trip in the woods. Suddenly, Aubrey Plaza appears as her older, wiser self, immediately taken aback by her younger counterpart’s fiery energy. This introduction establishes the film’s concept efficiently, showcasing the duo’s impressive physical and comedic chemistry. As the title suggests, young Elliott even asks if she can touch her “old ass” and kiss herself—an amusing request any teenager on shrooms might make.

Instead of offering advice on stock markets or grad school, older Elliott warns her younger self to steer clear of a guy named Chad. This warning proves complicated when, the next day, Elliott finds herself swimming in a lake and developing feelings for Chad, despite believing she was exclusively into women. This emotional tug-of-war transitions “My Old Ass” between family drama and romantic exploration.

While Parks may not have penned the most original screenplay, she infuses the film with authenticity, capturing the essence of young love through strong performances by Stella and Percy Hynes White, who plays Chad. Although some of the messaging about life’s unpredictability and the importance of going with the flow can feel a bit heavy-handed (we’ve all been young and reckless), “My Old Ass” possesses a sweetness that makes it an effective, light-hearted tearjerker that celebrates the beauty of living in the moment.

Grade: B

MY OLD ASS is now playing in select theaters and expands nationwide Friday, September 27th.