Aubrey Plaza, known for her unique comedic flair, joins Maisy Stella, a rising star in film and television. They discuss the delightful film 'My Old Ass,' where a teenager meets her older self during a psychedelic experience. The conversation dives into themes of self-discovery and the complexities of adolescence, touching on identity and emotional depth. Plaza and Stella reflect on authenticity in coming-of-age narratives, explore idealized love, and share insights into the humor that enriches the film's storytelling.
The film 'My Old Ass' cleverly juxtaposes youthful exuberance with the wisdom of age through the dialogue between teenager Elliott and her future self.
It provides a refreshing exploration of queer identity, depicting Elliott's journey of self-discovery without conforming to traditional coming-out narratives.
Deep dives
Exploration of Self Through Time
The movie 'My Old Ass' explores a unique concept where a teenager meets her future self, offering a rich narrative to reflect on personal growth. The protagonist, Elliot, played by Maisie Stella, conjures her older self, portrayed by Aubrey Plaza, during a mushroom trip to navigate her teenage dilemmas. This connection allows for a humorous yet poignant dialogue about life choices, with the older Elliot providing both insights and warnings, such as avoiding anyone named Chad. This dual characterization highlights the contrasts between youthful exuberance and the wisdom that comes with age, making a profound statement about the journey of self-discovery.
Navigating Queer Identity
The film addresses the complexities of queer identity through Elliot's experiences with attraction and sexuality, capturing the nuanced journey of self-exploration. As she grapples with her attraction to a boy named Chad, this scenario prompts questions about her sexual orientation in a light-hearted yet meaningful way. The narrative deviates from typical coming-out tropes by depicting Elliot's confusion in a relatable context, emphasizing that identity doesn't have to be strictly defined. This refreshing perspective portrays a teenager's struggle to understand her feelings without the weight of societal stigma, allowing for a candid exploration of fluidity in identity.
Interplay of Humor and Emotion
The movie strikes a balance between humor and emotional depth, showcasing the chaotic yet joyful journey of adolescence. Critics highlight how the screenplay captures the essence of being a teenager through witty dialogues and relatable scenarios, including pop culture references that resonate with a modern audience. The performances by both Maisie Stella and Aubrey Plaza create a dynamic interplay, where humor derived from youthful naïveté contrasts with the sardonic wisdom of age. This combination not only keeps the audience engaged but also delivers a heartfelt commentary on the bittersweet nature of growing up, making the film both entertaining and thought-provoking.
What would you do if you met your future self, who's a couple of decades older and maybe a little wiser? Would you freak out? In the delightful new movie My Old Ass, a teenager named Elliott (Maisy Stella) faces this very scenario. Her older self is played by Aubrey Plaza, and she's got some advice to impart. But her younger self may or may not take it.