Eighth Grade Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Awkward teen makes YouTube videos nobody watches while struggling to survive the last week of middle school… and then credits roll.

🍿 Eighth Grade: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Kayla’s World

The film introduces Kayla Day, an introverted eighth-grader navigating the final week of middle school. She creates motivational YouTube videos about confidence and self-image, despite struggling with these issues herself. Kayla is quiet and withdrawn at school, winning the ‘Most Quiet’ award from her classmates, highlighting her social anxieties and disconnect from her peers.

Pool Party and Social Encounters

Kayla attends a pool party hosted by a classmate, Kennedy, where she experiences social awkwardness and anxiety. She meets Gabe, Kennedy’s cousin, and has an uncomfortable interaction with her crush, Aiden. The party exposes Kayla’s struggles to fit in and the pressures of social expectations during adolescence. This sequence encapsulates the challenges of navigating peer dynamics and forming connections.

High School Shadowing and Online Interactions

Kayla participates in a high school shadowing program and befriends Olivia, a senior who offers advice and support. Later, Kayla experiences an uncomfortable situation with one of Olivia’s friends. She encounters a scenario involving a potentially compromising situation and reflects the vulnerable position that young people can experience.

Confronting the Past and Looking to the Future

Kayla opens a time capsule she created in sixth grade, prompting reflection on her past self and current struggles. She has a heartfelt conversation with her father. The ending of the film shows Kayla making a new time capsule, leaving a video message for her future self, symbolizing her growth and hope for the future. Kayla’s final message highlights the theme of perseverance through tough times.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kayla Day (Elsie Fisher): An introverted eighth-grader who posts motivational videos on YouTube while struggling with social anxiety and self-confidence.
• Mark Day (Josh Hamilton): Kayla’s well-meaning but sometimes awkward single father who tries to connect with her.
• Olivia (Emily Robinson): A friendly high school senior who mentors Kayla and offers her guidance during the shadow program.
• Gabe (Jake Ryan): Kennedy’s cousin who shows kindness to Kayla and shares common interests.
• Aiden (Luke Prael): A boy whom Kayla has a crush on, whose actions contribute to her discomfort and self-discovery.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Kayla: “Gucci!” – A catchphrase Kayla uses to punctuate her online persona, representing her attempt to project confidence.
• Kayla: “I don’t know, but it feels good.” – Kayla’s response after being asked how the s’more she made tasted, an attempt to display the confidence she lacks in real life.
• Mark Day: “I love being your dad.” – Mark says this at multiple points to Kayla in the hopes that she knows he is there for her and loves her.
• Kayla: “Do I make you sad?” – Kayla asks her dad if she makes him sad as they sit by the fire, wanting reassurance that she isn’t a disappointment.
• Olivia: “Middle school is messy, but it’s almost over.” – Olivia says this to Kayla in the mall as a means of comforting her and giving her something to look forward to.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $13,539,709
• Worldwide Gross: $14,347,433

💥 Eighth Grade Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, Eighth Grade completely wrecked me! Elsie Fisher is incredible; I felt like I WAS Kayla again. The scene where she’s sitting by the pool, trying to talk to the cool kids? I’ve BEEN there! It’s so real and raw, and it made me want to hug my younger self. Seriously, if you’ve ever felt awkward or out of place, watch this movie. You won’t regret it (but maybe grab some tissues).

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers who appreciate realistic coming-of-age stories”
  • “Fans of indie films with strong character development”
  • “Those interested in films exploring the impact of social media”
  • “Audiences who enjoy thoughtful and relatable dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Themes of anxiety and social awkwardness”
  • “Brief references to sexuality”
  • “Awkward and potentially disturbing situations”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Bo Burnham’s directorial debut is a painfully accurate and empathetic portrayal of adolescence in the digital age. Elsie Fisher delivers a career-defining performance. The film doesn’t shy away from the anxieties and awkwardness of being a teenager, making it a truly authentic experience.
• Rolling Stone: “Eighth Grade is a cringe comedy, but one with a huge heart. Burnham captures the nuances of Kayla’s insecurities. The movie is funny, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful. It’s a must-see for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.

Audience Reactions

The movie perfectly captured the cringeworthy awkwardness of middle school.: Elsie Fisher’s performance was universally praised for its authenticity and relatability.

Overall Consensus: Eighth Grade is a critically acclaimed coming-of-age story that resonates with audiences for its honest and empathetic portrayal of adolescence in the digital age.

Awards

1. Writers Guild of America Award (Original Screenplay)- 2019
2. Critics’ Choice Movie Award (Best Young Actor/Actress)- 2019

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Bo Burnham wrote the script based on his own experiences with anxiety and feeling disconnected, but he chose a female protagonist to avoid making it autobiographical.”
• “Elsie Fisher was chosen for the role of Kayla because Burnham felt she authentically embodied the awkwardness and vulnerability of a middle schooler.”
• “To capture the realism of middle school life, Burnham encouraged improvisation and collaboration with the young actors.”

🖥️ How to Watch Eighth Grade?

Eighth Grade is available for streaming on platforms such as Showtime, and through subscription services like Paramount+ (via Showtime add-on). You can also rent or purchase the movie on demand via Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential broadcast schedules.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Eighth Grade, you might like these similar films:

• The Edge of Seventeen (2016): A coming-of-age story about a teenage girl navigating the awkwardness and anxieties of high school, similar to Kayla’s struggles in middle school.
• Lady Bird (2017): Explores the complex relationship between a teenage girl and her mother as she prepares to leave home, capturing the universal themes of identity and independence.
• Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995): A dark comedy that portrays the trials and tribulations of an unpopular middle school girl, offering a raw and unflinching look at adolescence.
• Pen15 (2019-2021): A comedy series where adult actresses play middle school versions of themselves, capturing the cringeworthy and awkward moments of adolescence with humor and honesty.

🛒 Eighth Grade Related Products

• Eighth Grade [Blu-ray]: Own a physical copy of this critically acclaimed film. Blu-ray format includes behind-the-scenes footage and director’s commentary.
• Eighth Grade Movie Poster: Decorate your room with the official movie poster of Eighth Grade. High-quality print on durable paper, perfect for any fan.
• Official Eighth Grade Script: Read the complete script of Eighth Grade with original notes and annotations. A unique collector’s item for aspiring writers and movie buffs.
• Eighth Grade Inspired Stickers: Decorate your laptops and water bottles with these Eighth Grade inspired stickers featuring famous quotes and characters from the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Eighth Grade features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “In My Head” – performed by Poolside
• “Helicopter” – performed by Bloc Party

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Bo Burnham Tried To Warn Us

Ever wonder what Bo Burnham was really trying to say with Eighth Grade? This video breaks down his entire career and how the movie fits into his bigger picture commentary on the internet. Seriously thought-provoking stuff!

BO BURNHAM AND ELSIE FISHER REACT TO EIGHTH GRADERS REACT TO EIGHTH GRADE

Want to see Bo Burnham and Elsie Fisher crack up watching real eighth graders react to Eighth Grade? It’s a total blast to see their behind-the-scenes reactions to the film’s impact!

Bo Burnham on New Movie Eighth Grade & Making YouTube Videos

Bo Burnham talks about the awkwardness of being that age, making YouTube videos in high school, and calls out a high school drama teacher for not casting the star the movie Elsie Fisher in the play. A worthwhile watch!

Bo Burnham – How Everyone Can Relate to Middle School Girls in “Eighth Grade” | The Daily Show

Ever wondered how Bo Burnham managed to capture the essence of being a middle school girl? This Daily Show interview dives into the inspiration behind Eighth Grade and how it resonates with everyone. It’s surprisingly insightful!

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