Amidst the hive of activity that envelops the Sundance Film Festival each year, one question stood out among attendees this week: “Who’s that girl?” The buzz surrounded none other than Maisy Stella, whose breakout performance in “My Old Ass” marked a significant moment at the annual event in Park City, Utah.
Maisy Stella, no stranger to the spotlight with a history on the hit show “Nashville” and a viral music cover on YouTube, has made a stunning entrance into the world of film. With Billie Eilish once remarking that Stella’s singing had inspired her to pursue a similar path, the twenty-year-old actress’s return to the arts feels timely and has generated considerable excitement amongst both fans and festival-goers.
In “My Old Ass,” directed by Megan Park, Stella plays Elliott, a young woman about to embark on her college journey when she encounters her future 39-year-old self, portrayed by Aubrey Plaza. The film deftly navigates humor and heartfelt emotion, with Stella’s performance drawing praise for its authenticity and leading the audience through the last half-hour of poignant storytelling.
After starting her acting career at just eight years old with “Nashville,” Stella chose to step away from the camera at fifteen to experience life as an average teenager. “I went back to school and made sure my head was nice and screwed on and just went to prom and did all that stuff,” Stella shared in an interview alongside director Park. Upon turning eighteen, she realized the magnitude of her passion for acting and the newfound appreciation she had developed during her hiatus.
Her connection with the character of Elliott seems to stem from that personal growth. As Park observed, “A lot of kids that have been acting from such a young age…they don’t have as much life experience.” Park believes this sets Stella apart and credits Stella’s break from the spotlight with providing her with the life experiences that infuse her portrayal of Elliott with realism.
Stella’s long-standing friendship with fellow young talent Maddie Ziegler, who also stars in the film, brought authenticity to their on-screen chemistry. And just like their characters, Ziegler and Stella shared a sibling-like relationship, growing up as prodigious talents in their respective fields.
“One Less Lonely Girl,” a song they perform in a dream sequence, not only evokes nostalgia but also reflects the era-defining impact such songs can have. The sequence, embedded with harmony and shared experiences, is a tribute to the formative moments that shape us, much like Stella’s character in the film.
Working alongside industry talents like Percy Hynes White and Aubrey Plaza, Stella recounted Plaza’s profound influence on her approach to acting and being a scene partner. Plaza’s attentiveness and encouragement underscored the collaborative and supportive environment that enveloped the film’s production.
The reception at Sundance has been overwhelming both for Park and Stella, hinting at promising developments ahead for the film, which is backed by Margot Robbie’s Lucky Chap Entertainment. Although distribution plans are still pending, the film’s trajectory seems poised for rapid ascent.
Reflecting on the film’s impact, Park made a bold prediction about Stella’s burgeoning career: “Check in in seven days,” she said, “and [Stella] will be booked for the next four years.” For Stella, who has greatly missed working, this would be a welcome outcome. Her roots in performance and the respect she’s garnered as an artist suggest that “My Old Ass” is just the beginning of what promises to be a long and illustrious career.
The Sundance Festival provided not just a platform but a celebratory return for Stella, with “My Old Ass” laying the groundwork for a star re-emerging into the spotlight. As the final credits rolled, it became clear that, indeed, a star is not just born but reborn.
