Movie #14 2020: Eighth Grade (2018)

I watched Eighth Grade because I’d heard great things, and I’ve enjoyed Bo Burnham‘s comedy in the past.

I’m not saying this was a letdown for me, but I do think I’d have enjoyed it more if I was still 13. (Or closer to it than 27 at least).

Many critics see this movie as brilliant as it reminds them of how they felt in Eighth Grade. I get that to an extent… I just didn’t relate to it perhaps how I should have. Is it because I’m not American? Maybe. Is it because I wasn’t video blogging when I was 13? Maybe. I’m not 100% sure, but it’s a cute enough movie nonetheless.

What I did appreciate was another Dad to add to my “best Dads ever” list. (This is a list I started when I first watched Lady Bird). There was a heartfelt monologue in which Kayla’s father told her why he’s proud that she’s his daughter, and about how great he thought she was. It was possibly the most touching scene I’ve seen so far this year, and that’s coming from someone who just recently watched Moonlight. Anyway, Kayla’s Dad is a cute angel puppy dog and it’s worth watching this solely for him.

There were some more serious scenes in this movie that were brilliant, and I feel as though people don’t talk about them enough because they’re so wrapped up with the superficial parts of the film. For instance, there’s a scene in the back of a car where Kayla is riding home from the mall with friends. Without spoiling anything for anyone, this was a scene that was so uncomfortable that I have to compare its intensity with scenes from Parasite and Room. It is also a scene that is so well-acted by Elsie Fisher that I can’t help think that she’s what makes the movie a success. She’ll be more prominent in years to come, I’m sure of that.

No, I probably won’t be revisiting this movie any time soon, if ever. However, it’s a decent watch and I would recommend it to those who I feel would relate to it.

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