Eighth Grade Movie Review

Eighth Grade Movie Review

A Bo Burnham Film That Was Unexpected 

Eighth Grade the first full length film by Bo Burnham, and I didn't expect what I got with the film. I kinda think the rating for this movie is a little high, but hey, who am I to judge... oh wait.
Eighth Grade follows an eighth grade girl named Kayla (Elise Fisher), who is at the end of her middle school journey and is a bit of a social outcast. She doesn't have any friends, and she act's fake around other people.
Alright well the plot of the movie is a little simple, but I have a feeling that Bo Burnham wanted us to feel as awkward as Kayla does in the film, and boy oh boy, is this movie awkward. It's fine in it's delivery, and from what I remember being in middle school, yeah, this movie does a pretty good job of capturing the feeling.
The acting in the film is pretty authentic and Elise Fisher does a good job. However there is an overarching cringe feeling in Eighth Grade that I just can't shake the feeling off. For the most part, the other actors do a pretty good job, I don't have to many complaints, except that most weren't that memorable. It's fine though, because we the audience are supposed to be focusing on Kayla.
The cinematography of Eighth Grade is done pretty well, and there are some really interesting shots in the film which add depth. I applaud Bo Burnham in his style, I didn't expect the serious tone of the film given his more comedic endeavors.
I don't think I would be rewatching this film. It has it's merits but it just didn't grab me like I thought it would have. For a first film, Bo Burnham did a fine job, and I am excited to see what the future holds for his movie career.



final score: 3/5