Making his feature directorial debut in Eighth Grade, Bo Burnham strives to produce a realistic vision into ‘teenagehood’ of the modern day. Following main character Kayla (Elsie Fisher), the film is focuses on representation and reputation; two qualities which become all-encompassing agendas for the increasingly socialised youth.
Kayla’s YouTube channel tracks her mindsets throughout the film. It becomes the space wherein she talks about her hopes and goals, and maps out how she might achieve them. While in this instance Kayla uses the unreality of social media to positively understand and navigate her own reality, she is eventually deterred by the lack of reputation or popularity that this channel receives. Her obsession with a ‘popular’ reputation – or her lack thereof – ultimately invalidates any trust she – or others – holds in herself.
Kayla allows this mindset to guide her throughout the majority of the film, as she approaches potentially positive relationships or opportunities with a negative bias and an expectation of failure. Her interest in the ‘popular’ girls at school comes less from a desire to be friends with them than it does from a desire to simply be noticed. Upon meeting high-schooler Olivia, Kayla is not only noticed, but included and celebrated, sparking hope in the next upcoming chapter of her life.
Burnham utilises and recognises bias and subjectivity, to represent Kayla’s experiences in a candid way that is easily received and understood by other eighth graders, or young teens who feel they are in a similar position to Kayla.
Eighth Grade understands the reality it recreates, and is successful in providing a relatable platform through film for other young teens.
Madison (17)