After reading my recent essay on Paranoid Park, one of my oldest friends texted me to say, teasingly, “You’re such a sucker for coming-of-age movies.” It gave me pause.
Indeed, My Old Ass made it to my best-of list of 2024. It was such a pleasant surprise with two genuinely sweet performances about time and feelings. It speaks a universal truth about growing up and lands so many crucial bits of advice that we all like to give our younger selves.
Great write-up, Justin -- and Happy B-day again ;)
Loved reading this! This film was one I didn't make it around to last year, and the more I hear about it, the more I know it's worth my time. Dazed and Confused is my all-time fave coming of age movie; not just because there's hardly any plot to it, but because almost everyone in it is sufficiently awkward and overly-performative, which feels exactly like my own teenage years. 😆 Happy belated birthday!
What I found so compelling about My Old Ass (and what I centered my own write-up of the film around) was how Elliott is a textually queer character without being culturally queer. She's a lesbian, and yet her specific relationship to love isn't particularly revolutionary at the outset. Her arc can be traced in the context of this.
I admit I had a lot of problems with the narrative structure, but I'm also stupendously glad that this film exists and that it resonated with you so much
I talk about it more in the piece ( https://open.substack.com/pub/thetreatment/p/my-old-ass-2024 ), but basically I think the emotional core would have been much stronger if we found out about Chad much, much earlier. The "what" is far less important than the aftermath of the discovery, etc
Just read it, and enjoyed it. I especially appreciate the distinction you draw between non-queer lesbian and queer bi-/pan. I’m reminded of the conversation Elliott has with her friend (the name escapes me) over coffee. Something about use labels if they are useful. Lots to chew on here!
I love coming of age stuff. I’m so with you. I turned 47 in October and so maybe it’s middle age related but honestly I recall always loving them. Hence my “Anne with an E” series! Also, I can’t see Aubrey without thinking of Jeff. I’m sure with time that memory will be sweeter. I want to see this one but need some time
Indeed, My Old Ass made it to my best-of list of 2024. It was such a pleasant surprise with two genuinely sweet performances about time and feelings. It speaks a universal truth about growing up and lands so many crucial bits of advice that we all like to give our younger selves.
Great write-up, Justin -- and Happy B-day again ;)
Loved reading this! This film was one I didn't make it around to last year, and the more I hear about it, the more I know it's worth my time. Dazed and Confused is my all-time fave coming of age movie; not just because there's hardly any plot to it, but because almost everyone in it is sufficiently awkward and overly-performative, which feels exactly like my own teenage years. 😆 Happy belated birthday!
Thanks for the bday wishes, and for taking the time to read the post, Nikki! Dazed is close to a perfect movie to me. I love it so.
It’s a wonderful film, meanders delightfully along and then emotionally BLOSSOMS at the end.
Lovely way to describe it!
What I found so compelling about My Old Ass (and what I centered my own write-up of the film around) was how Elliott is a textually queer character without being culturally queer. She's a lesbian, and yet her specific relationship to love isn't particularly revolutionary at the outset. Her arc can be traced in the context of this.
I admit I had a lot of problems with the narrative structure, but I'm also stupendously glad that this film exists and that it resonated with you so much
I missed your piece. Will seek it out! Curious to hear more about your issues with the structure.
I talk about it more in the piece ( https://open.substack.com/pub/thetreatment/p/my-old-ass-2024 ), but basically I think the emotional core would have been much stronger if we found out about Chad much, much earlier. The "what" is far less important than the aftermath of the discovery, etc
Just read it, and enjoyed it. I especially appreciate the distinction you draw between non-queer lesbian and queer bi-/pan. I’m reminded of the conversation Elliott has with her friend (the name escapes me) over coffee. Something about use labels if they are useful. Lots to chew on here!
Ro's the name, if we're thinking of the same scene; one of my favorite scenes in the film by quite some distance!
That’s the one!
I love coming of age stuff. I’m so with you. I turned 47 in October and so maybe it’s middle age related but honestly I recall always loving them. Hence my “Anne with an E” series! Also, I can’t see Aubrey without thinking of Jeff. I’m sure with time that memory will be sweeter. I want to see this one but need some time
We are kindred spirits, indeed! My family I have watched that show in its totality twice. One of the few things we all agree on these days!