Maisy Stella, known for her breakthrough role in Nashville, has stepped into the limelight once again, but this time with her feature film debut in My Old A**, a highly anticipated coming-of-age movie. Released today, September 27, 2024, the film is already creating waves, thanks to its heartfelt exploration of identity and Stella’s stunning performance alongside Aubrey Plaza. This project marks a significant milestone in Stella’s career as she navigates the transition from child star to bona fide movie actress.

The Plot of My Old A**: A Unique Take on Self-Discovery

Directed by Megan Park, My Old A** presents a fresh perspective on growing up by intertwining humor and emotion. The film tells the story of 18-year-old Elliot, played by Maisy Stella, who meets her 39-year-old self, portrayed by Aubrey Plaza, after a mind-bending experience involving hallucinogenic mushrooms. Set in a small Canadian town, the plot is driven by the protagonist’s attempt to understand life and identity from two vantage points—her impulsive, younger self and her more experienced, future self​(

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Park, the visionary director behind this concept, emphasized the sentimental nature of the story. “I wanted to explore this through a lighter headspace,” Park stated. “Coming-of-age movies, if done well, are timeless”​(

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Stella’s portrayal of the younger Elliot, full of confusion and budding self-awareness, contrasts beautifully with Plaza’s seasoned take on the older Elliot. This dynamic brings both comedic relief and emotional depth to the narrative.

Maisy Stella’s Transition to the Big Screen

While Maisy Stella may still be best known for her role as Daphne Conrad on Nashville, her performance in My Old A*** establishes her as an actor capable of tackling complex, multi-layered characters. In her debut film role, Stella captures the confusion, excitement, and vulnerability of a teenager on the brink of adulthood.

Stella revealed that she was immediately drawn to the script. “The second I started reading it, I was beaming with excitement. It was my favorite thing I had read in forever,” she shared. However, that excitement was met with equal parts anxiety. “I just thought, ‘What if this gets taken away from me?’ It wasn’t even mine yet, but the thought of not being part of this amazing project was terrifying”​(

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This kind of emotional investment is evident in her performance. Stella’s portrayal of Elliot is nuanced and authentic, a testament to her growth as an actor. Her time on Nashville undoubtedly helped her develop a range of acting skills, but My Old A*** challenges her to step out of her comfort zone and take on a more mature, introspective role​(

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A Star-Studded Collaboration: Working with Aubrey Plaza

One of the major highlights of My Old A** is the chemistry between Stella and Plaza, who plays the older version of Elliot. Plaza, known for her dry humor and impeccable timing, brings a rich, textured performance to the role, which complements Stella’s fresh-faced portrayal of young Elliot.

For Stella, working with Plaza was “a dream come true.” She described her co-star as a “mega genius” and noted that while they only filmed together for five days, those scenes were “life-changing”​(

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Director Megan Park initially intended to cast someone much older than Plaza for the role of the older Elliot, but once Plaza was suggested, the fit was undeniable. “It was never about who looked the most like Maisy. It was about the energy, chemistry, and comedy that Aubrey brought”​(

Concrete Playground).

Themes of Identity and Self-Reflection

At its core, My Old A*** explores the theme of self-discovery, with a particular focus on how our perceptions of identity change over time. The film touches on Elliott’s exploration of her bisexuality, a topic that has been underrepresented in mainstream cinema, especially in the context of coming-of-age stories​(

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In the film, young Elliot grapples with the revelation that her sexual orientation may not be as fixed as she once thought. This is a poignant exploration of fluid identity, a theme that resonates strongly with Gen Z audiences. As Megan Park explained, “Identity feels inherent in the coming-of-age experience, and it was important to show a character who is confident in her sexuality but still open to the possibility of change”​(

Concrete Playground).

Maisy Stella’s Growing Influence in Hollywood

At just 20 years old, Maisy Stella is proving herself to be a versatile actor capable of making a significant impact in Hollywood. My Old A*** is not just a film debut; it’s a testament to her talent and potential. Critics have already started praising her performance, noting her ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and grace​(

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Stella’s involvement in a film with strong LGBTQ+ themes also speaks to her awareness of the kinds of stories that need to be told. Hollywood is undergoing a shift, with younger actors like Stella helping push for more diverse, inclusive storytelling. In My Old A**, she has found a project that aligns with this movement.

What’s Next for Maisy Stella?

With her successful transition to film, Maisy Stella is poised for more high-profile roles. While she hasn’t announced any upcoming projects yet, it’s safe to say that her work in My Old A** has opened new doors. She is likely to attract attention from directors looking for young talent with the range and emotional depth she has demonstrated.

Given the positive reception to My Old A***, fans and critics alike are eager to see what Stella will tackle next. Will she continue exploring complex, character-driven roles? Or might we see her take on a more commercial project? Whatever path she chooses, one thing is clear: Maisy Stella is a name to watch in the entertainment industry​(

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Conclusion: Maisy Stella’s Time is Now

Maisy Stella’s journey from TV stardom to her film debut is both inspiring and exciting. My Old A*** showcases her ability to take on challenging, thought-provoking roles, and her collaboration with Aubrey Plaza is sure to be remembered as one of 2024’s standout performances. As she continues to grow and evolve in her craft, the world can expect to see even more from this rising star.

For fans of Maisy Stella and those curious about her latest work, My Old A*** is streaming now on Prime Video. Be sure to check out this charming, heartfelt film that delves into themes of identity, self-discovery, and personal growth.