As summer draws to a close, director Megan Park is igniting nostalgia with her latest film, “My Old Ass” a coming-of-age narrative that captures the bittersweet transition of a young woman preparing to leave her lakeside hometown for college. Starring Maisy Stella (“Nashville,” “Flowervale Street”) as Elliott, the film follows a free-spirited teen whose birthday mushroom trip leads her to confront her 39-year-old self, portrayed by Aubrey Plaza. This encounter prompts meaningful reflections on her relationships with family and friends.
The Essence of Change
“There’s a profound sadness, yet a sweetness to that change and the passage of time,” Park explains, reflecting on the pivotal moments between childhood and adulthood. It’s a time filled with uncertainty, where one anticipates life’s shifts but struggles to grasp their full significance.
A Commitment to Heartfelt Storytelling
Park frequently describes her filmmaking approach as “sweet,” emphasizing her desire to create emotionally resonant movies, even in an industry that often favors edginess. She cites iconic films like “Stepmom,” “Now and Then,” and “My Girl,” which beautifully blend emotion and nostalgia. “It would be an honor to craft a film that evokes that same emotional depth,” she asserts, underscoring her passion for heartfelt storytelling.
Personal Connections to the Characters
While Elliott’s journey as a teenage girl in Canada might resemble Park’s own experiences growing up in Lindsay, Ontario, she clarifies that the film isn’t strictly autobiographical. “I see pieces of myself in each character,” she notes, highlighting how her perspective on the film has evolved as her life circumstances changed, including becoming a mother and coping with the loss of her father.
Nostalgia and Reflection
When Park began developing “My Old Ass,” she was deeply immersed in nostalgia following the success of her directorial debut, **“The Fallout.”** Recalling her childhood memories, she pondered the significance of those fleeting moments with friends, which inspired the film’s themes. “I didn’t know it was the last time. Would that have changed how I experienced it?” she reflects, illustrating the complexity of nostalgia.
A Unique Film Experience
During a recent rooftop screening in West Hollywood, Park shared the joy of watching her film resonate with audiences for the second time since its Sundance premiere. Ahead of its theatrical release on September 13, Amazon MGM Studios crafted a cozy, campfire-inspired marketing campaign to capture the film’s essence.
“We felt confident in their ability to connect the film with the right audience,” Park says, appreciating the studio’s innovative approach to marketing.
Transitioning to Directing
Having built a successful acting career, including roles in “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” and “Charlie Bartlett,” Park found her passion in directing. The pandemic posed challenges for her first feature, but it also laid the groundwork for her creative evolution. “This film has been filled with joy from start to finish,” she says of the production.
Collaboration with LuckyChap
Park’s collaboration with LuckyChap, co-founded by Margot Robbie, has opened doors for her in the film industry. After pitching her idea for “My Old Ass,” she quickly connected with the team, leading to a sold-out premiere at the Eccles Theatre.
Audience Reactions and Emotional Resonance
Park was initially apprehensive about how audiences would receive the film, but positive reactions, especially from younger viewers, have been a pleasant surprise. “People have had strong emotional responses, which I did not expect,” she shares, noting the film’s ability to evoke different feelings across generations.
Navigating Personal Growth
As Park reflects on her journey since writing the film, she acknowledges the profound changes in her life, including her father’s passing and the joy of becoming a mother. “I’m learning to understand grief in ways I hadn’t before,” she remarks, recognizing the duality of joy and sadness that often accompanies growing older.
Authenticity in Storytelling
Park is committed to portraying authentic stories for young audiences, striving to create a set environment that reflects the experiences she wished she had as a young actor. “I want to give validity to how smart and talented young people are,” she emphasizes.
Advice to Her Younger Self
When asked what advice she would give her younger self during the making of “My Old Ass,” Park responds, “Soak up every second and enjoy it. It goes by so fast.” Her film serves as a time capsule, capturing moments that will resonate for years to come.