My Old Ass Is Low-Key Devastating

As a seasoned cinema enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in films that span across genres and cultures, I must say that “My Old Ass” is a delightful blend of humor and poignant self-discovery that truly resonated with me. The film’s unique premise of time travel within the confines of one’s own self is something I’ve often pondered during my late-night introspections, making it all the more captivating.

The film “My Old Self” skillfully combines elements of broad comedy and poignant self-discovery narratives. Unlike some films that use humor as a cover for deeper emotions, this one seamlessly intertwines them. Director Megan Park has a genuine curiosity about the emotional possibilities of communicating with your younger self, posing an intriguing question: what advice would you give if you could, and would the younger you even want to listen?

Elliott is an energetic young woman spending the final weeks of her summer vacation at her family’s cranberry farm on picturesque Lake Muskoka, preparing for college in Toronto. Despite her eagerness to move on, her hometown is a tranquil paradise with waterfront homes, small businesses, and secluded islands ideal for camping. One night while camping there, Elliott encounters her future self in an unusual encounter that neither she nor the film delves into. As she’s under the influence of magic mushrooms, Older Elliott appears on a log by the campfire. After confirming their distinct breast sizes to verify her identity, Future Elliott starts talking. She declines to provide stock tips or excessive details about upcoming events but encourages Elliott to spend more time with her family. However, she does offer a stern warning: to avoid anyone named Chad, a caution that becomes important when a slim college student (Percy Hynes White) by the name of Chad joins the farm as a summer worker.

Stella’s character, Plaza, seems unlike the person Elliott might grow into, yet her playful, sarcastic demeanor fits perfectly for a character who is trying to speak like a child but isn’t fully embracing adulthood either. When she advises Elliott to value time because it passes quickly as one grows older, she does so sincerely. Despite frequent jokes about how the world Older Elliott inhabits has deteriorated (where did the salmon go?), Plaza serves primarily as a reflection of Elliott’s younger self. Present-day Elliott, portrayed naturally by Stella, is an engaging creation – full of boldness and occasional obliviousness, a character who, unlike typical teen representations as incomplete, is so confident in her identity that she’s surprised when anything challenges her belief that she already knows everything. One obstacle to her self-assuredness comes from Chad, who despite Elliott’s initial skepticism, turns out to be thoughtful and charming, causing Elliott to question her sexual orientation, as she had always assumed it. However, the cautionary tale of Older Elliott lingers over their blossoming romance, but this doesn’t stop Elliott from pressing forward, as she has a tendency to do.

Experiencing pain is a part of growing up and living, and if that doesn’t seem like a contentious topic, remember that it’s significantly tougher to take action when the one getting hurt is someone dear – for instance, yourself at a younger age. Park’s film might be small-scale, but it deeply explores the personal landscapes of its characters, giving it a sense of weightiness. Occasionally, this involves confronting the harm you’ve caused others, as Elliott does when discussing the farm’s future with her parents, realizing the unintentional slights she’d been making with her fervent declarations of autonomy. Elliott, as she admits, can be quite self-centered. However, she’s only 18 and still has a considerable amount of growing up to do – enough that she’ll continue to mature 21 years down the line.

2024-09-13 16:53

My Old Ass Is Low-Key Devastating

Read More

Minority Mindset