Eighth Grade

Eighth Grade is a wonderful coming-of-age story with solid direction, a strong lead performance by Elsie Fisher, and an intelligent script by Bo Burnham.  However, that’s not really why I loved this film.  I, myself was in 8th grade in 2018, upon the film’s initial release, just like Kayla.  This couldn’t have been a coincidence.  I was also a shy, reclusive introvert at the time, and struggled to make friends.  I was an anxious screen-staring recluse with limited interests, just like Kayla.  Still, I was making more friends than ever in 8th grade, and becoming more self-deprecating yet self-confident, just like Kayla.  Seeing her break out of this shell and increasing her self-esteem is not only heartwarming, but relatable.  Even the most extroverted middle- or high-schooler has encountered an introverted, socially-awkward student, but not all have empathized with said student. Despite its utterly ludicrous R-rating, this is a great film for young people like myself, and especially middle-schoolers to see, which will give them a more optimistic look at their own lives and their own futures. Gucci!