in the video my old ass, Aubrey Plaza and Messi Stella Play as a single character, Elliot, across different age groups, bridging the gap between youth and adulthood.
As Elliot, Praza and Stella both gave excellent performances, showcasing the dynamic between their younger and older selves. Screenwriter and Director Megan Parka film that brings out the magic that happens when an actor truly embodies a character.
In this interview with Plaza, Stella, and Parker, the three discuss their collaboration and how they portrayed a single character of two ages, and the connection they all needed to bring my old ass Life. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Macy, what was your reaction when you heard Aubrey was going to play the older Elliott?
Macy Stella: I like literally like freaking out. I’m super excited because if I could choose anyone, it would be Aubrey.
There was a list and I thought Aubrey was the coolest and the movie would have been even cooler if she was involved. Better in every way. So, I think, from a script perspective, her statement makes the most sense.
I think a lot of the people we talked about would be incredible, but they would just change the whole tone of the script. I think Aubrey is a perfect fit and makes everything more interesting.
Did you study each other’s mannerisms to play the same character?
Macy Stella: Yes and no. I had been filming for two weeks when Aubrey got married. So, I already have a somewhat mature baby Elliot. So, it’s so crazy to me to have my tattoo on you, it’s really weird to me. I thought it was a dynamic game.
Aubrey Plaza: Yes. I received some of her dailies, so I was able to see her on screen and really see the character. When I got there, we only had a few days to get on camera, but the moment she came close to me, I was hunting her like a wolf, just looking at her. I didn’t want to overdo it, but I did want her to wash over me.
Aubrey, what was it like working with Macy as your scene partner and lead in the film?
Aubrey Plaza: When I saw the footage before we started shooting and heard the feedback of what was happening, it was clear to me, “Oh, something magical is going on there.”
You can just, when you’re watching her on the screen, not be self-aware. No ego. You’re just seeing a real person, and it’s very refreshing because it’s really rare. I think as a scene partner, I felt like I was working with a real actor. It felt like we were on the same page. I feel like we have the same approach.
She also reminded me, reminded me, this old guy, not to get tired. I’m not that old yet, but I find it hard to show up on set and have that energy sometimes and just remind myself that I’m living my dream. Like, “This is crazy.”
So, she did. Very very refreshing.
Macy, did working with Aubrey and others support you in leading this film?
Macy Stella: The support is everywhere you can imagine. When I met Aubrey, I was disarmed and we worked really well together. I was in total awe of her. I literally have butterflies every day.
Before we would shoot, she would say, “Are you okay? What do you need me to do? I didn’t even know that was something people did. Like, I’d never experienced that. I really just noticed it.” A little bit, like, this is what I’m supposed to do.
Megan, was there an order in which the two Elliot actors were cast?
Megan Park: It’s really important, and no offense to Aubrey, but young Elliot is in every frame of the movie. So, we had to find the right young Elliot and then build the cast around her.
But you don’t always get that luxury, you know? Sometimes you have to cast the star as a famous star and then build around that, and that’s great too. But it all works the way it should.
What lessons did you learn? my old ass Take you?
Macy Stella: I made this movie when I was 18, so I feel like I just absorbed everything. Like, I’ve got it all figured out. And I really don’t. It really changed a lot of my brain chemistry and the way I live and experiment more actively.
Aubrey Plaza: I think one of my biggest takeaways is remembering to follow your gut. Because I remember when I first read the script, I cried, which was a very visceral reaction. I think sometimes when I’m trying to figure out if I should do a movie or something, it’s like your body knows something.
I’m glad I got to be a part of this movie and ended up getting to make it and working with these people, because I feel like my initial instinct was that this could be really good.
I would say this is another confirmation of following your gut and going with the flow without worrying about all the other stuff.
