‘Eighth Grade’ Film Review – What We Can All Learn From Kayla

I went to see ‘Eighth Grade’ at The Electric Cinema, Birmingham. I love The Electric because they screen mainstream and art house films that most multiplexes overlook. The audience is generally well-behaved and the small screen rooms give you an intimate experience.

What is ‘Eighth Grade’ About?

‘Eighth Grade’ is written and directed by Bo Burnham. Burnham was 28 years old when he directed this film based on his own struggles with anxiety. The story centres on Kayla, an eighth grade student on the brink of graduating from middle school. For reference, eighth grade is year 9 in secondary school.

Kayla is your typical awkward teenager. Fitting in with her peers, making friends and boys are her main concerns. She struggles with social anxiety and a lack of confidence. She tries to combat this by making videos on Youtube.

Key ‘Eighth Grade’ Scenes

You are loved

Dinner table scenes are fun to watch. Mark, Kayla’s father, wants to ensure his daughter knows that he thinks she is cool. It’s a humorous exchange at the dinner table. There is a touching scene where Kayla starts a fire in the garden and how her father supports her during this moment was heartwarming. The garden conversation is compelling. Whilst her father is embarrassing, he really does love her.

Do something that scares you

Kudos to Kayla for attending a party, a pool party no less, where she doesn’t know anyone and karaoke is on the menu. This sounded like a social anxiety nightmare but Kayla pushes through. Despite feeling intense anxiety and wanting to bail on the event, she surprises those around her.

Say no to sexual pressure

An innocent game of Truth or Dare turns into a dangerous ploy with statutory rape as the goal. ‘Eighth Grade’ is a comedy drama but this scene was like a horror movie. It became tense quickly and I felt my whole body grow stiff watching a teenage boy attempt to manipulate a girl into having sex with him. The scene where he blames her for rejecting him, feigning concern for her, was sickening. I don’t doubt that every woman watching could empathise.

I don’t like you anymore

It’s far better to be respected than to be liked. The scene where Kayla confronts the popular girl was worthy of applause. It doesn’t cost a thing to be nice. Despite making a sincere effort to get to know this girl, she doesn’t give Kayla the time of day. Savour your energies for those who see your value.

Nice guys don’t finish last

One of my favourite scenes from the whole film is Gabe and Kayla having dinner. It is the cutest, most awkward, funny sequence. It felt like a reward after the horrendous Truth or Dare episode. Kayla first meets Gabe at the pool party and I was overjoyed to see his character appear again. Not every boy just wants to get into your pants. Some of them will make the effort to get to know you. Make time for nice guys.

Key ‘Eighth Grade’ Thoughts

I loved the messages ‘Eighth Grade’ communicates.

It’s ok if you didn’t enjoy high school.

If you hated secondary school, then ‘Eighth Grade’ will give you permission to let go of that guilt. I couldn’t wait to leave. I remember the constant idea that your teenage years are the best years of your life.

Forgive me, but this is complete crap. You’re going through physical and mental changes, there’s intense pressure to perform academically, you’re surrounded by people who don’t understand you, there are cliques aplenty and if you’re unlucky you may be suffering with a mental illness. I know I was.

There are plenty of life experiences left for you to experience and enjoy. Secondary school doesn’t have to be one of them.

Be yourself.

This film celebrates being your true self. Things begin to improve for Kayla once she stops trying to impress people. If you’re weird, be weird. Not everyone will understand you and that is ok. You don’t need to fit in with the popular crowd. If you haven’t found your people, you haven’t met them yet.

Fake it till you make it.

Not everyone is naturally confident. It takes work to build confidence. On the other hand, you can always pretend to be confident until you actually feel it. Do something that scares you until you master it.

Change is good.

Transitioning from middle school to high school is no easy feat. If you went to school in Britain this is when school gets serious and it’s time to focus on your GCSEs. With change can come many positives. A new environment can introduce new possibilities and new people. Furthermore, sometimes what you fear the most can lead you to great things.

Verdict

‘Eighth Grade’ is an exceptional coming-of-age film. Nowadays, social media is used to attack people and push unrealistic goals but Kayla uses social media in a positive way. Every video she posts advocates for being yourself and improving confidence.

This film is both funny and thoughtful in equal measure. I especially enjoyed watching it with a small audience; I rarely have a negative experience at The Electric. ‘Eighth Grade’ screened as part of Flatpack Film Festival 2019 and sold out, but it’s still showing at Cineworld, Empire and Odeon cinemas. If you’d like to visit The Electric, the oldest cinema in the UK, I highly recommend it.

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