‘My Old Ass’ Can’t Let Go of The Past

“My Old Ass” is a coming-of-age dramedy that invites the viewer to slow down and smell the cranberries.

Written and directed by Megan Park, “My Old Ass” follows cranberry farmer and soon-to-be college student Elliott preparing for life away from her family. After a hallucinogenic mishap in the woods, Elliott spends her last 20 days at home taking advice from a 39-year-old, future version of herself.

Getting only brief hints into what her future holds, Elliott spends her last summer savoring the time with her friends and family. Set in the gorgeous riverside city of Muskoka, Canada, “My Old Ass” relishes youth’s exit and the anxieties of imminent adulthood.

As Elliott, Maisy Stella charismatically turns the stubborn youth into an endearing lead. Whether journeying through psychedelic mushroom-induced scenarios or juggling personal relationships, Stella (“Nashville,” “Spirit Riding Free”) humorously charms.

Playing Elliott’s older self, Aubrey Plaza is a pleasant but regretfully brief presence. Despite being the film’s hook, Elliott’s future self is only a factor in the film’s beginning and end, with Plaza (“White Lotus,” “Parks and Recreation”) relegated to phone call voice-overs for most of the runtime.

When Plaza is present, her delightfully deadpan sense of humor contrasts with Stella’s extroverted persona. It’s disappointing the duo only have a handful of scenes to play off one another directly, as their few in-person scenes are easy highlights.

With Elliott’s future self-sidelined, the film’s real draw comes from her relationships in the present day. Connections to her parents, siblings, friends and crushes are the earnest backbone of the narrative.

The serene direction and honest writing from Park (“The Fallout,” “Lucy in My Eyes”) is where the film shines most. Vibrant waterbeds and evergreen trees look like a painting when characters sit back and joke about young adulthood’s mysteries.

Between playful boat rides and golf games, Elliott discusses shared histories with her loved ones while anxiously looking toward what the future may hold. After finding a romantic partner in a local college student, Elliott is distressed by leaving Muskoka, she’ll be leaving a world she’s finally come to love.

“My Old Ass” is a straightforward movie. The self-deprecating title crassly clues the audience in to the theme of growing up and its bittersweet changes. Standing on its own, the story often treads on traditional coming-of-age tropes and relationship cliches.

The sub 90 minute runtime coupled with older Elliott’s absence leaves the film seeming like a thesis statement stretched too thin. As a short film, the bare-bones story would seem concise and the utilization of Plaza’s character less jarring.

The incorporation of a character’s future self could lead to wealth of creative storylines. Unfortunately, “My Old Ass” goes the safe route — to simply remind Elliott to appreciate her loved ones. It’s a sweet concept that would be novel if briefly used, but for a feature, it can’t help but feel like a misuse of time.

However, as a feature-length film, “My Old Ass” spends most its time spinning gears and soaking in its own aesthetic. It’s an issue that oddly plays into the film’s defining message — to simply enjoy something while it lasts, as long as possible.

“My Old Ass” is an endearing ode to the last moments of childhood. The film’s striking setting and lovable cast elevate standard storybeats to heartwarming effect.

“My Old Ass,” rated R, comes to theaters Sept. 20.