Eighth Grade (2018) is a coming-of-age movie written and directed by Bo Burnham. It stars Elsie Fisher as the main protagonist, Kayla Day, who tries her best to navigate the end of eighth grade. She dedicates her last week of school to seeking validation from her classmates after they showed her indifference all year. Kayla attempts to do so by trying to talk to them, which occurs as an awkward display of rambling and an averted gaze. Kayla then tries to do impulsive actions in an attempt to act like her classmates, whom she wishes to be more like. However, the main reason why Kayla struggles immensely to relate to and befriend her peers is due to her social anxiety and social media addiction. Kayla also tries to seek acceptance from strangers on the internet by posting photos of herself on social media and uploading vlogs onto her youtube channel. Kayla ends up alienating her dad, her only parent left, while in pursuit of popularity.

Eighth Grade is a dark comedy that shines a light on the embarrassing, messy, and complicated cycle that is adolescence, self-acceptance, and growing up. I relate extensively to this film due to it reminding me of my middle school awkwardness and angst. This film emphasizes feeling isolated while abandoning the ones who surround you. It shows that small moments can feel like everything, and simply existing can feel overwhelming at times. This movie demonstrates the feeling of being the only person in the world while surrounded by multiple people. All in all, this movie tackles the anxiety, fear, and compulsion that are often faced by modern-day youth.

Reviews by: Kimberly R.

Kimberly is a virtual volunteer at Sylmar Branch Library. She is an 11th grader at San Fernando High School

—Dana Eklund, Sylmar Branch Library