PARK CITY, Utah - Maisy Stella, best known for her role as Daphne Conrad in the TV series 'Nashville,' is making her big-screen debut in the film 'My Old Ass,' which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this week. With her captivating performance, Stella has become a discovery for many festival attendees who were unfamiliar with her talent outside of her previous work.
After starting her acting career at the young age of 8 on 'Nashville,' Stella took a break from the spotlight at 15 to focus on being a normal teenager. She returned to the industry after turning 18, rekindling her passion for acting and gaining a newfound appreciation for the craft.
In 'My Old Ass,' directed by Megan Park, Stella takes on the role of Elliott, a college-bound girl who unexpectedly encounters her 39-year-old self, played by Aubrey Plaza. The film showcases Stella's authenticity and talent as Elliott grapples with self-discovery and finding her place in the world. Described as a funny and emotional charmer, the movie has left audiences wiping away tears during its heart-wrenching final moments.
Park, who met Stella through their mutual friend Maddie Ziegler (of 'Dance Moms' and Sia music video fame), praises Stella for taking a break and experiencing a normal teenage life, which allowed her to gain valuable life experiences and personal growth. Park recognizes Stella's unique qualities and describes her as a 'normal girl' with a perfect blend of authenticity and talent, which sets her apart from other child actors who may lack the same perspective.
In 'My Old Ass,' Stella has the opportunity to perform alongside Ziegler, as well as Kerrice Brooks, in a dream sequence where they sing Justin Bieber's 'One Less Lonely Girl.' The song holds special significance for Stella, as it had a profound impact on her life and became a defining moment for her generation. With the approval of Bieber and his team, Stella was able to showcase her vocal abilities in the film.
Working on 'My Old Ass' was a dream come true for Stella, allowing her to delve into material she loved while being supported by a talented ensemble cast, including Percy Hynes White and Aubrey Plaza, who left a lasting impression on her. Stella expresses her admiration for Plaza, highlighting the actress's profound talent and her ability to be a great scene partner. Plaza's mentorship and encouragement have made a significant difference in Stella's career, and she aims to pass that support forward in future collaborations.
The response to 'My Old Ass' at the Sundance Film Festival has exceeded expectations for both Stella and Park. With emotional moments that have resonated deeply with audiences, Stella admits that discussing the film often brings tears to her eyes. Although the distribution rights for the movie have not been acquired at the time of this writing, with Stella's standout performance and the film's positive reception, it is highly likely that it will find its way to audiences soon.
As her star rises, Park believes Stella's career is only just beginning. She describes Stella as the 'real deal,' noting her patience, specificity, and silent influence on popular culture. Park even reveals that Stella's talent inspired Billie Eilish to pursue singing, a statement confirmed by Finneas, Eilish's brother and collaborator. Stella humbly downplays her impact, acknowledging Eilish's genius and dismissing the idea that she single-handedly influenced her career.
With the success of 'My Old Ass' at Sundance, Stella's future looks promising. While an official release date for the film's full performance of 'One Less Lonely Girl' is yet to be determined, there is no doubt that Stella will leave a lasting mark on the industry. As Park's hype woman, Stella embraces the support, although it does make her sweat sometimes. Considering her undeniable talent and the admiration she has garnered at Sundance, Maisy Stella is undoubtedly a rising star to keep an eye on.
