Eighth Grade is a 2018 American coming-of-age comedy-drama film written and directed by Bo Burnham in his feature film directorial debut. The film stars Elsie Fisher as Kayla Day, a shy and socially anxious thirteen-year-old navigating the last week of her eighth grade year before starting high school.
The plot primarily focuses on Kayla's attempts to overcome her insecurities and connect with her peers. She creates and uploads self-help videos on YouTube, offering advice on confidence and social skills, despite struggling with these very issues in her own life. The film explores themes of social media's impact on adolescence, the anxieties of growing up, and the search for identity and self-acceptance.
Released by A24, Eighth Grade received widespread critical acclaim, with particular praise for Fisher's performance and Burnham's sensitive and authentic portrayal of adolescence in the digital age. It was lauded for its realism, empathy, and ability to capture the complexities of modern teenage life. The film garnered numerous awards and nominations, including recognition for its screenplay, direction, and Fisher's acting.