Hello, dear readers! Mr. Nice Reviews here, and today I’ve had the absolute pleasure of watching My Old Ass—a film with a title that might get a chuckle, but trust me, this one has a big heart! This isn’t your run-of-the-mill coming-of-age story; it’s a heartfelt, reflective, and surprisingly funny exploration of what it means to grow up, grow apart, and, ultimately, find yourself. If you’re a fan of stories that pack a punch with humor, charm, and a touch of nostalgia, well, get comfortable because you’re in for a treat!

My Old Ass introduces us to Elliott, a young girl on the cusp of adulthood. She’s ready to leap out of her small town and embrace the exciting, unknown world of college in the big city of Toronto, Canada. But, as life often goes, things aren’t quite that simple. Elliott finds herself caught in a whirlwind of self-discovery, family, and nostalgia while attempting to balance who she’s becoming with who she’s been. And here’s the twist: she has conversations with her future self, played by none other than Aubrey Plaza. Through these time-bending exchanges, Elliott confronts her past, present, and the person she hopes to become.

Maisy Stella Shines as Young Elliott

Maisy Stella is an absolute delight as the young Elliott. She brings a realism to her role that’s both tender and relatable, embodying the spirit of today’s Gen Z with the kind of depth and subtlety that’s hard to come by. Stella’s Elliott is at that defining crossroads—excited to leave her small town behind but simultaneously hit with the realization that relationships and memories are delicate things. She begins to understand that while her life is about to change, it’s the ties with her family and friends that matter just as much as her future.

Stella portrays Elliott’s emotional ups and downs beautifully, from the thrill of newfound independence to the bittersweet ache of realizing she may have drifted from her family. Watching her internal struggle is like watching an artist carefully paint every shade of growing up. I can only imagine this is what many young people today feel as they transition into adulthood, trying to balance ambitions with a yearning for closeness.

Aubrey Plaza’s Brilliant as Older Elliott

Now, let’s talk about Aubrey Plaza as the older Elliott (from the future). Her role is no easy task: she’s communicating with her younger self, a premise that’s as far-fetched as it sounds. But somehow, Plaza pulls it off with such ease and authenticity that it feels as natural as chatting with an old friend. She brings her trademark wit, but she’s also subdued in a way that lends gravity to the film’s emotional depth. Older Elliott has learned so much about herself, including her own sexuality, and carries that confidence with an ease that younger Elliott is still discovering.

Elliott’s journey of self-discovery includes grappling with her sexuality, and it’s handled with great sensitivity and authenticity. As a young woman, she’s initially confident in her identity as a lesbian, crushing on Chelsea and letting her hormones run wild in the early part of the film. But things shift as she grows closer to Chad, a relationship that forces her to question herself and her feelings in ways she hadn’t expected. And here’s the magic: older Elliott, so wonderfully portrayed by Plaza, never questions her sexuality anymore. It’s as if she’s reached a place of comfort and understanding, reminding us that self-acceptance is a process, one that takes a fair bit of time and a lot of introspection to come to terms with.

Plaza’s portrayal perfectly captures the differences in age and wisdom, and it’s fascinating to watch her gently coach and banter with her younger self. It’s a reminder of how we might all wish to comfort or even correct our younger selves, but ultimately, we understand that those challenges helped us grow into who we are. There are things that Plaza’s character is very sensitive towards, and this reveals that she, too, is holding onto the past in some ways while being unaffected by many of the current issues her younger self is grappling with.

At its core, My Old Ass offers an essential reminder about the importance of living in the “now.” As Elliott’s story unfolds, both her younger and older selves grapple with the idea of holding onto memories, relationships, and moments that matter. The moral of the story here is one I think we all could use a bit of: life doesn’t wait. It keeps moving forward, and if you’re too focused on the future or the past, you’re bound to miss out on the precious moments unfolding right in front of you.

This message resonates as Elliott learns to reach out to the people who matter most to her, realizing that relationships require effort and time, or else they drift into something unrecognizable. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the best thing we can do is pause and embrace the moment, reconnect with those we love, and be fully present in our own lives.

If you’re looking for a film that is heartfelt without being overly sentimental, funny without losing its sincerity, and packed with genuine performances, My Old Ass is for you. Both Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza shine in their roles, offering us two sides of the same coin and a lovely reminder that no matter where we are in life, there’s always room to grow, reflect, and reconnect.

So, if you’re in the mood for a thoughtful movie that nudges you to give your loved ones a call or maybe even reach out to a past version of yourself in spirit, grab a seat, settle in, and give My Old Ass a watch. It’s a beautiful film with an even more beautiful message.