Posted by Everyone remembers bits and pieces of their time in the eighth grade- the awkwardness, the acne, the desire to be “cool”. All of these memories come flooding back with Eighth Grade, the latest film from A24. Written and directed by Bo Burnham, Eighth Grade chronicles the life of Kayla as she traverses her final weeks of middle school. Kayla is an awkward, pure-hearted thirteen-year-old girl who creates motivational videos teaching people to be more confident and comfortable in their own skin. As we follow her through these last two weeks, it becomes clear that this advice she offers to others is the exact thing that she struggles with in her own everyday life.
Eighth Grade succeeds in many areas, with phenomenal work from not only the writing and direction, but the acting as well. Burnham writes exceptionally awkward dialogue for Kayla, and Elsie Fisher delivers beautifully. Her mannerisms, such as saying the word “like” practically twice per sentence, are spot on, and it truly feels as though you’re watching a real life eighth-grader. This is highlighted by the fact that at the time of casting, Fisher was actually in the eighth grade. There are also some really tender moments in the film, particularly in the scenes that involve Kayla’s father, Mark, played by Josh Hamilton. The two play off of each other really nicely, and some of the most touching moments in the film happen when Kayla and Mark go back and forth at various points.
On top of the more heart-warming moments in the film, there are some seriously heart-stopping sequences as well. When Kayla has to face her fears and join her classmates at a pool party, the audience feels that agony and has to hold their breath as she jumps headfirst into almost certain embarrassment (not to mention that this scene is introduced with an impressive long take, for which I absolutely commend Burnham).
Overall, I can honestly say that I loved Eighth Grade. The film does an excellent job of placing us in Kayla’s shoes and makes it very easy to relate back to some of our own horrifying eighth grade experiences- but this is what helps the movie excel. It all feels real and genuine, and the writing, directing and acting all come together to make a damn good movie.
Grade: 9.7/10
Eighth Grade is rated R for language and some sexual material- now playing in theaters.
Reviewed by Zackary Townsend (@themoviebuzzz)