Eighth Grade
dir. Bo Burnham · 2018
Feature
Coming of Age
Mood
Melancholic / Comedic
Look
naturalistic, handheld camera work with intimate close-ups
Structure
episodic vignettes capturing key moments in a week
Plot
Thirteen-year-old Kayla endures the tidal wave of contemporary suburban adolescence as she makes her way through the last week of middle school — the end of her thus far disastrous eighth grade year — before she begins high school.
Why watch
"Eighth Grade" captures the bittersweet essence of adolescence, blending humor and poignancy as it navigates the trials of a young girl on the brink of high school. With its raw portrayal of awkwardness and vulnerability, this film resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt out of place in their own skin.
Cultural context
social media influence on youthsuburban American lifethe pressures of modern adolescence