Eighth Grade

It’s easy to romanticise the past and slip into cringey ‘it was better in my day’ rhetoric but Eighth Grade really does articulate and present the difficulties faced by the youth of today.

Bo Burnham’s Directorial debut may surprise any fans of his stand up and recorded work but those who know his journey through the early days of YouTube will be aware that he’s keenly aware, conscious and, go on then, ‘woke.’

His first film follows the travails of a thirteen year old girl as she completes the titular eighth grade and looks ahead to high school.

The girl in question is Kayla, an unpopular, nervous student whose most notable acknowledgment from her peers is being voted ‘most quiet.’ She represents anyone who’s ever felt out of touch, shy, awkward or anti-social.

The narrative is framed by Kayla’s vlogs, ironically offering her zero viewers advice on confidence and expressing yourself. It perfectly shows the need to live life on screen, show the world in the Cloud your best self even when that personality doesn’t match your human form.

It’s a low key but astute film, free of the razzle-dazzle of Bo’s stage persona. It’s sympathetic and methodical, similar to last year’s Lady Bird and also like a 2019 version of also-out Mid90’s (although less nostalgic of course.) Bo’s also not one to shy away from the big issues, clear in his depiction of teenage life.

Elsie Fisher is a great find, perfectly relatable and likeable as Kayla and cast brilliantly alongside Josh Hamilton as her father Mark who absolutely nails the performance. You might reach for the tissues during some of his screentime.

This is a mature, relevant and hugely important film that articulates the teenage experience in eye opening ways. Likeable, forthright and brave.

4 stars ****