Eighth Grade (2018)

It is exciting watching two new artists show you they are forces to be reckoned with. Writer/director Bo Burnham (youtuber, comedian, film maker) has astounded with this piece of damn honest feeling film making. And young actor Elsie Fisher gives one of those break-down-the-door performances that shouts "I am someone to watch." Together they make the truly captivating and almost painful to watch Eighth Grade.

The story of one young woman's last week of middle-school, Eighth Grade is the kind of film that will grab you and won't let go. It is filled with all the angst and confusion that being 13 entails. Burnham's script is remarkably familiar yet original. Most will be able to relate to this awkward journey in the sort of way that will make you squirm and cringe. He has captured all the pain of this age in a very authentic way. Despite not being a 13 year old girl, he has made it all very real.

And his eye is perfect, filming his story in a lovely haze. Kayla's world is a lovely array of suburban banality filled with painful and beautiful moments. Burnham captures what Kayla is feeling in each moment so that we feel it. And he is aided by one of the best performances of the year. Elsie Fisher appears to be a major talent. She commits fully to Kayla and makes us all feel her every tear, joy, shiver. Paired with Josh Hamilton who plays her doting father, the two create a truly honest feeling family.

Eighth Grade deals with difficult things. It is not an easy film to watch. But it is a wonderful film to watch and you'll be glad you did.

Eighth Grade
Staring: Elsie Fisher, Josh Hamilton
Writer/Director: Bo Burnham