My Old Ass (2024) is a coming-of-age comedy-drama film written and directed by Megan Park.
Starring Maisy Stella in her film debut alongside Aubrey Plaza, Percy Hynes White, Maddie Ziegler, and Kerrice Brooks, the movie follows 18-year-old Elliott, who encounters her 39-year-old self during a mushroom trip.
With its unique storyline, the film explores themes of self-discovery, love, and appreciating life’s fleeting moments.
While praised for its humor and heartfelt message, My Old Ass is rated R, primarily for language, drug use, and sexual material.
Below is a detailed parents guide to help you assess whether this movie is suitable for younger viewers.
My Old Ass Parents Guide And Review
My Old Ass is a moving and unique film about a girl named Elliott. She is getting ready to leave her family’s cranberry farm in Muskoka Lakes, Ontario, to go to university in Toronto. During the last summer she spends at the farm, she spends time with her friends and falls for Chelsea, a girl she’s liked for years.
One night, to celebrate her eighteenth birthday, Elliott takes psychedelic mushrooms with her friends, Ro and Ruthie. Afterward, Elliott meets an older version of herself. This “Older Elliott” gives her advice about her life, including about her family and a boy named Chad. Older Elliott’s visit is strange but important, and it helps guide Elliott through some big decisions.
As the summer goes on, Elliott begins to feel confused about her feelings. She starts to like Chad, a boy who is working for her father, even though she thought she was only into girls. This causes Elliott to question what she knows about herself.
Elliott also learns that her parents are selling the farm. She is sad because she thought the farm would always be there. She feels a lot of different emotions, but it’s hard for her to stop what’s happening.
The film shows Elliott’s emotional journey as she tries to understand her feelings. She kisses Chad and has to deal with the confusion that comes with it. Later, she talks to her friends and realizes that her feelings might be more complex than she thought. This part of the movie is really about understanding who you are and how that can change.
The acting in My Old Ass is amazing. The main actress, who plays Elliott, does a great job showing all of Elliott’s emotions. You can really feel her confusion, excitement, and sadness. The friendship between Elliott and her friends Ro and Ruthie is also real and fun, giving some lighter moments in an otherwise heavy story.
The film teaches us that life changes quickly and we can’t always control what happens. Elliott has to say goodbye to things she loves, like her family’s farm and her childhood, but she learns to accept change and live in the present. In the end, Older Elliott tells her to live for today, not just for the past or the future.
My Old Ass is a great movie for anyone who has ever had to grow up and deal with change. It shows that love, friendships, and family are important, but so is being true to yourself. The film’s message is clear: even if the future is uncertain, the present is what we can hold on to.
Why Is My Old Ass Rated R?
The MPAA has rated My Old Ass R for language throughout, drug use, and sexual material. The movie contains mature content, including scenes of implied sexual activity, discussions of sexuality, and hallucinogenic drug use, making it unsuitable for children and younger teens.
Sex and Nudity: 3/5
- Two young women kiss passionately in multiple scenes; implied sexual activity is suggested when they are later seen under blankets.
- A young woman lies on top of a young man as they kiss, with implied sexual activity. She mentions it being her first time with a man.
- A young woman dreams of kissing another young woman and a young man, with implications of oral sex (no explicit visuals).
- Brief nudity includes a young woman’s bare back, buttocks, and legs as she undresses to swim, and another character revealing her abdomen and scar.
- Multiple discussions about sexuality, including a young woman’s self-identification as gay and later questioning if she is bisexual or pansexual.
Violence and Gore: 1/5
- Minimal violence, primarily involving minor accidents: a small boat colliding with objects and the motor falling off.
- Scenes of tension include characters stranded on a small island during a storm and a near crash into a bridge.
- Emotional moments include discussions of death, life changes, and leaving home.
Language: 4/5
- Approximately 74 uses of the F-word, along with other strong profanities and vulgar expressions.
- Name-calling and casual insults appear throughout the dialogue.
Substance Use: 4/5
- Three young women consume hallucinogenic mushroom tea, with scenes depicting its effects, including altered behavior and visual hallucinations.
- No depiction of alcohol or tobacco use.
Themes: 2/5
- The film explores emotional topics like midlife crises, self-discovery, and the complexities of love and identity.
- Other discussion topics include family history, ambition, and meditation.
Is My Old Ass Suitable For 13 Years Old?
While My Old Ass offers meaningful insights and comedic moments, its mature themes and explicit content make it best suited for viewers aged 17 and older. Parents are strongly cautioned due to the extensive use of profanity, discussions of sexuality, and drug use.
Discussion Points for Families
If parents choose to watch this film with their teens, it could spark meaningful conversations about:
- Self-discovery and how life experiences shape our identity.
- Open discussions about love, sexuality, and understanding one’s preferences.
- The impact of choices during adolescence on the future.
Final Thoughts
My Old Ass delivers a heartfelt and humorous take on appreciating life and its challenges. However, its mature content warrants careful consideration for younger viewers. Parents are encouraged to review the movie’s content and decide if it aligns with their family’s values and comfort levels.