It's rare to find a movie so authentic and compelling as
“Eighth Grade”, the directorial
debut of
Kayla Day, portrayed by Elsie Fisher, is a young girl on
her way to graduating from middle school, and in her final week goes on a
self-actualizing journey towards adulthood.
When I entered the theater, I was under the impression
that I was about to watch a quality comedy that reflects the high reviews it
has been getting online. However, there was something else to the film; a
coming of age story both unique and relatable. It was not a comedic romp as I
had expected, but a dive into the mind of a young woman who was unsure of who
she was.
Throughout the film, Burnham managed to display the
silliness, awkwardness and horror that comes with being an insecure eighth
grader. An expansive cast shows different interactions that echoed my own past.
Well meaning, but awkward, parenting as well as popular
kids who are mean for no real reason along with a barrage of other struggles
are depicted in so realistic a fashion that it is hard not to wince out of
sympathy for the lead.
Burnham successfully filled the theater with laughter and
fear, while passing on a message of growth.
Even with the dense narrative that takes place over the
last week of the school year, the film managed to stave off any pretentious
airs and remains a fun, awkward, genuine story. If you are looking for a
nostalgic flick for the modern era, I can wholeheartedly recommend Burnham's
fantastic first film, “Eighth Grade”.
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