Megan Park admits to feeling a touch of guilt as her latest film, “My Old Ass,” has evoked emotional responses that are more than just a single tear — audiences are experiencing full-blown sobs that resonate deeply within them.
With “My Old Ass” streaming on Prime Video, she revealed that her intention was never to create a tear-jerking drama. Instead, Park aimed to craft a narrative centered on the connection between a young woman and her older self. While the film features humorous moments, particularly an unforgettable exchange between the 18-year-old and nearly 40-year-old versions of the character Elliott—sparked by an unexpected mushroom trip that includes a quirky Justin Bieber cover—it also delivers a poignant emotional impact.
During the pandemic, Park channeled her thoughts through writing while adjusting to life as a new mother. Nestled in her childhood bedroom, she shared a rare night with her entire family under one roof without knowing it would be their last. This moment prompted her to reflect on what it might feel like to possess foreknowledge of life’s fleeting moments.
In “My Old Ass,” the older Elliott, played by Aubrey Plaza, offers sage advice to her younger self, portrayed by Maisy Stella. She encourages young Elliott to cherish her time in her small hometown, alongside her family, and to refrain from rushing into adulthood, especially when it comes to a charming yet troublesome boy named Chad who she meets shortly after.
At 38, Park is embarking on a promising journey as a filmmaker. Her debut feature, “The Fallout,” which stars Jenna Ortega as a teen navigating the aftermath of a school shooting, was released during the pandemic under conditions that felt otherworldly yet gained notable attention. This film ultimately caught the eye of Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment, leading to an eager inquiry about her upcoming projects.
“They were very instrumental in encouraging me to go with it,” Park reflected on her collaboration with LuckyChap. “They’re just really even-keeled, good people, which makes them great producers. They treat everybody the same, which is the vibe that I like. There’s no ego, there’s no hierarchy.”
Empowered by LuckyChap, Park prioritized Stella’s casting, allowing her to build the film’s structure around her talents. She commented on the traditional industry approach where most directors would begin with the biggest name rather than focusing on the right fit.
Transitioning into writing and directing after two decades in acting, Park’s background traces back to Lindsay, Ontario, Canada. Although she had a passion for the arts, she lacked industry connections. Fortunately, her perseverance led to acting success, landing roles in notable films such as “Charlie Bartlett” and shows like “Life with Derek” and “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” where she played the conservative cheerleader Grace. It was during this period that she formed a deep friendship with Shailene Woodley, leading her to realize acting may not be her core passion.
While there wasn’t a singular “ah-ha” moment that transformed her outlook, Park clearly remembers how fervently Woodley pursued her role in “The Descendants,” which proved to be her breakout film.
“She really wanted that role and she knew that it was her role and she was just like fighting for it and working so hard,” Park noted with admiration. “I remember thinking that’s so inspiring and so cool that she feels that way about this. And then I was like, ‘(expletive), I don’t feel that way about acting.’”
By discovering her true passion in writing and directing, Park began creating shorts and music videos for artists like Billie Eilish, Gucci Mane, and her husband, singer-songwriter Tyler Hilton, before embarking on her feature-length film journey.
“I didn’t really know that writing and directing movies was a viable career,” she expressed. “So I came about it a little bit backwards. I feel so lucky that I had such an education of like 20 years on a film set before I was ever behind the camera.”
As a filmmaker, Park describes two distinct aesthetic extremes within her creative vision. The first encompasses “heartfelt, evergreen, nostalgic movies.” She cites classics like Chris Columbus’s works, “Stepmom,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and “My Girl.” Her second passion leans toward quiet, French cinema centered on female narratives, with Céline Sciamma’s “Tomboy,” which she cherishes, being the only film saved on her computer. On set, she maintains a low-pressure atmosphere, gently reminding her team that filmmaking isn’t a life-or-death situation.
Park believes that this perspective is essential as she navigates the frantic pace of production. “There’s always going to be a fire, there’s always going to be not enough time, but there’s always going to be a fix to the problem,” she asserted. “I try to just be clear with what I need, but also really flexible.”
Having witnessed varying directorial styles as an actor, she understands the diverse needs of performers, and that appreciation is mirrored in her collaborative relationships. Stella highlighted this, saying, “I want every single movie for the rest of my life to be directed by a woman. It was one of my favorite experiences. I was just constantly surrounded by female energy, which was very inspiring for me and very safe.”
Since “My Old Ass” debuted nearly a year ago at the Sundance Film Festival, and after nearly three years of development—essentially half of her daughter’s young life—Park is now delving into a new project despite the whirlwind parenting of both a nearly 5-year-old and a 4-month-old. Yet, the heartfelt glow from “My Old Ass” and its emotional resonance with audiences continues to linger.
“You don’t really get your hopes that high that people are going to feel anything, let alone how deeply they seem to be feeling the movie,” she concluded with a sense of awe. “It’s been surreal, honestly, and really beautiful, yet hard to metabolize it all.”
Er g carries a deeper message: the importance of cherishing connections and recognizing the passage of time.
**Title:** “My Old Ass”
**Genre:** Drama / Comedy
**Synopsis:**
“My Old Ass” is a heartfelt exploration of life’s fleeting moments through the journey of Elliott, a young woman navigating the blurry lines between adolescence and adulthood. The film juxtaposes the raw energy of youth with the reflective wisdom of maturity, as we witness an unforgettable encounter between Elliott at 18 and her older self, nearly 40.
**Plot:**
The story begins as 18-year-old Elliott (Maisy Stella), fresh out of high school and brimming with ambition, finds herself grappling with her identity and relationships in her small hometown. She dreams of leaving for the city, pursuing her career, and finding love. However, there’s a charming yet problematic boy, Chad, who complicates her aspirations.
While exploring a festival with her friends, Elliott is drawn into an unexpected and wild mushroom trip. As the hallucinations set in, she miraculously comes face-to-face with her 38-year-old self (Aubrey Plaza), now weathered yet wise. This surreal experience serves as a catalyst for laughter and soul-searching dialogue, including a comical and touching rendition of a Justin Bieber song that echoes their shared memories and dreams.
The older Elliott reveals to her younger self the bittersweet nature of life—the importance of savoring the small moments and fully appreciating family bonds before they turn ephemeral. She urges her to avoid reckless decisions with Chad, reminding her of the value of emotional maturity and self-discovery.
As the film progresses, we witness poignant flashbacks of family gatherings and tender moments that young Elliott takes for granted, like quiet dinners with her parents and nights spent with friends. These scenes tie the narrative together, emphasizing the delicate ephemerality of time and connection.
However, the mood shifts when the older Elliott reveals a heartbreaking truth about her family—an impending loss that young Elliott cannot foresee. The gravity of this revelation colors every subsequent moment for the younger version, forcing her to confront the urgency of fully living in the present and valuing those she loves.
In an emotional climax, young Elliott hosts a farewell dinner for her family before leaving for the city, mirroring the sacred night Park spent with her own family during the pandemic. The tension wraps around shared laughter, tears, and an unspoken acknowledgment of what lies ahead—showcasing the beauty of life within its fragility.
**Themes:**
“My Old Ass” delves into themes of nostalgia, the passage of time, the wisdom that comes with age, and the significance of cherishing familial connections. It balances humor and heartache, illustrating life’s complexity and the duality of youth’s carefree exuberance against the backdrop of life’s inevitable changes.
**Conclusion:**
As the credits roll, viewers are left with a tapestry of laughter and tears that reminds them to embrace each moment with an open heart, and to hold dear those fleeting times that weave the fabric of our lives. Through the lens of Elliott’s journey, “My Old Ass” uplifts and inspires audiences to savor the present while looking forward with hope and love.
