Megan Park’s coming-of-age comedy My Old Ass has emerged as one of the biggest crowdpleasers of 2024, following its debut at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. After captivating audiences at Sundance, the film made its streaming debut on Prime Video on Nov. 7, where it quickly became a No. 1 hit.
My Old Ass is available exclusively to Prime members, who can stream the film through their subscriptions. For those who aren’t currently Prime members, a 30-day free trial is available to access the movie and more.
The film, which stars Aubrey Plaza, tells the story of 18-year-old Elliot Labrant (Maisy Stella), who is on the cusp of heading to college when she has a surreal encounter with her 39-year-old self (Plaza) during a psychedelic mushroom trip. At first, young Elliot is skeptical, unsure of what she’s seeing, particularly since she and her older self don’t seem to share any physical resemblance. However, her older self soon begins offering her valuable advice based on the lessons learned from her own past mistakes.
This twist on the coming-of-age genre explores themes of self-reflection, regret, and personal growth as young Elliot navigates the confusing transition between adolescence and adulthood. The interaction between the two versions of Elliot—one youthful and full of promise, the other seasoned and reflecting on life’s choices—creates both comedic and poignant moments throughout the film.
Megan Park, known for her role in Secret Life of the American Teenager, wrote and directed My Old Ass, marking her return to filmmaking after making a name for herself as an actress. The film’s premiere at Sundance in January was met with enthusiastic reception from audiences, and Park shared her vision behind the project during the sold-out screening in Park City.
“I wanted My Old Ass to feel like an escape from adult life,” Park said during the premiere. “I kept thinking about this idea: there was a time when you did something like play pretend with your friends, and then you just never did it again. That made me really emotional.” Her reflections on the transition from childhood to adulthood resonated with audiences at Sundance, giving the film an emotional core that balanced its humor.
The film’s heartwarming blend of humor and introspection was not lost on critics. In his review, Variety film critic Peter DeBruge praised the film’s emotional power, describing it as “the kind of movie that will make you cry. The landscapes alone are enough to make you tear up. Odds are good you’ll tear up eventually. It’s that kind of movie, with a twist that redefines which genre audiences had been watching all along.”
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The film’s ability to blend comedy with tender moments of reflection has made it a standout, especially as it has gained popularity on streaming platforms. Plaza’s performance as both the young and older versions of Elliot adds a unique dimension to the film, with her comedic timing and ability to delve into deeper emotional moments anchoring the story’s heart.
As My Old Ass climbs the ranks of Prime Video’s most-watched films, it continues to draw attention for its fresh take on the coming-of-age genre. The movie’s ability to tackle serious themes of growing up, making mistakes, and finding your place in the world while still keeping the tone light and entertaining has earned it widespread acclaim.
In addition to its critical reception, My Old Ass has sparked conversations about the challenges and complexities of adulthood and the value of self-reflection, with many viewers relating to the story’s themes of wanting to recapture a sense of freedom and joy from their younger years. For Park, the film is a personal journey, and it’s clear from the reactions that audiences have connected deeply with the film’s mix of humor and emotional insight.
With its Prime Video debut, My Old Ass has officially expanded its reach beyond Sundance, becoming a must-watch for anyone looking for a thoughtful, funny, and emotionally resonant film. Whether you’re in the throes of adulthood or still figuring out who you are, the film offers a reminder of the power of self-exploration and the potential for growth at any age.
