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This week at The Tryon Theatre is a refreshing film exploring an original take on a well-trodden cinematic theme: coming of age. “My Old Ass” is a ribald and deeply sincere comedy starring the spectacularly dry Aubrey Plaza. The fil, explores the transition into adulthood through the use of a fantastical narrative device, but otherwise finds itself on grounded footing, employing its fantasy more philosophically than literally. 

The device employed is a bridge of time between a young woman and her future thirty-nine-year-old self, both able to miraculously converse and interact with one another. 

While there is a narrative explanation for this juxtaposition, the explanation itself is largely an excuse not to overthink it. This film asks that its viewers let go and enjoy the weird ride, the emotional journey being far more important than the mechanics of the magic. The distinct age of the film’s protagonist, Elliot, is most important to the emotional veins explored.

The film opens on Elliot’s eighteenth birthday, the transition into adulthood, a time ripe with both great potential and a lack of wisdom. Elliot also faces the prospect of leaving home and moving to the city for school. In celebration of this transition, Elliot’s best friends plan a camping trip wherein some illicit substances are consumed and her encounter with her future self begins. 

As Elliot is poised on the horizon of her open future, the unsolicited advice of her older self feels as much a curse as a blessing but yields no shortage of opportunities for comedic misunderstandings and vocal barbs. 

The film is certainly a comedy, but as with any good coming-of-age story, the weirdness and laughter are only half of the equation, their lightness effectively contrasting the inescapable emotional weight. If any of us could be so strangely lucky to interact with our past selves, tears would be as present as laughter, and this film evokes the same balance. 

There is often frankness in the film’s dialogue and imagery. This particular quality may be off-putting for some viewers, but the perceived authenticity of the age depicted is ever important. “My Old Ass” is sincere, original filmmaking, telling a wonderfully compelling story with a uniquely effective narrative device. 

We hope you will join us for all the laughter and maybe some tears, too!