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'Eighth Grade'—A Movie Review

Let’s be real. Is there anyone out there who really enjoyed their years in middle school?

By Marielle SabbagPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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Let’s be real. Is there anyone out there who really enjoyed their years in middle school? Especially eighth grade. There is no film, unlike Eighth Grade, which sells the most awkward final year of torture.

Eighth Grade follows Kayla Day in her final week of eighth grade. Kayla is a shy, and introverted teen struggling to make friends and finding her true self. Eighth Grade is such a realistic story that it feels like you’re watching yourself during that awkward time.

Elsie Fisher stars as Kayla Day and I have to applaud her for a thought-provoking performance. You may know Fisher from the Despicable Me series where she voiced Agnes, the youngest of the sisters who loved unicorns.

Behind the scenes from her character, Fisher notes that she is not like her character. She is more extroverted. That is the best aspect of acting. You have the opportunity to portray someone else. An exciting challenge.

The story is set in one week. That week feels like the longest week ever! I was aching to be rid of middle school once the year finally ended. After leaving through the doors on the day I got out of eighth grade, I went and saw Toy Story 3 in the theatres.

One fun fact I learned behind the scenes of Eighth Grade was a dispute regarding which form of social media to use. Surprisingly, Instagram is considered more popular. That’s a change coming from my time. So many people were demanding me to get a Facebook. I don’t think Instagram was even around yet.

Using Instagram as the most popular form of communication for Eighth Grade was a good move. I might be wrong, seeing how I was not on any forms of social media in middle school, but I feel that people are more addicted to social media now. It’s scary how much we rely on the internet to solve our problems. Even preteens. Social media destroys the physical face to face communication.

Bo Burnham, the director, and the writer did a fantastic job. Eighth Grade is narrated visually through the eyes of Kayla Day. Burnham brought audiences a film that felt as if you were actually relieving—but, needed to relive. Eighth Grade is its own lifelike, and awkward (in a good sense) story.

I have to take this time to commemorate the performance of Josh Hamilton, who played the role of Kayla’s loyal father. He is a single dad, who never gives up trying to communicate with his daughter. His scenes were really touching, along with his speech at the end of the movie.

There are a couple of angst scenes that are cringeworthy and will make you feel uncomfortable. A trigger warning is advised.

Middle school years are tough. Kids are in the midst of discovering who they are, the meaning of love, and learning who your real friends are. Don’t go along with the crowd! Be yourself! That is the heart of this film. I really recommend this film for all middle schoolers, but most especially eighth graders.

Eighth Grade has plenty of meaningful messages. Kayla even runs her own blog, posting a video each night. Some themes include putting yourself out there, being confident, and one of my recent favorites, every day cannot be a good day. Ten years after graduating from eighth grade and I am still learning. That’s what every film's motivation is.

Don’t burn your hopes and dreams. Just because they don’t come true in middle school doesn’t mean they’re over! Everything does get better. Move forward into new and exciting memories.

Thank you, Eighth Grade!

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About the Creator

Marielle Sabbag

Writing has been my passion since I was 11 years old. I love creating stories from fiction, poetry, fanfiction. I enjoy writing movie reviews. I would love to become a creative writing teacher and leave the world inspiring minds.

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