Bo Burnham’s Eighth Grade (2018) is a raw, funny, and painfully honest coming-of-age film that dives into the messy world of adolescence in the social media era. Starring Elsie Fisher in a career-defining role, the film captures the anxieties, awkwardness, and small triumphs of being a teenager today.
Detailed Summary
Kayla’s YouTube Persona
The film opens with Kayla Day (Elsie Fisher) recording a YouTube advice video. She speaks confidently about being yourself, but we quickly learn that her real-life persona is much quieter and socially anxious. This duality—online vs. reality—is the heartbeat of the movie.
Navigating Middle School
Kayla is in her last week of eighth grade. At school, she is shy, often overlooked, and nominated as “Most Quiet” in the yearbook. Meanwhile, she scrolls endlessly on her phone, immersed in Instagram and Snapchat, trying to connect yet feeling left out.
The Popular Kids and Social Pressure
Kayla struggles to fit in with the popular girls. She’s invited (out of obligation) to a birthday pool party, where she faces her social fears. The sequence is simultaneously hilarious and agonizing, as Burnham’s camera captures every ounce of teenage insecurity.
Bonding With Her Dad
Her single father, Mark (Josh Hamilton), is loving but awkward in his own right. Their relationship is one of the emotional anchors of the movie. Mark wants desperately to connect with his daughter, but Kayla often pushes him away—until a heartfelt conversation later in the film changes everything.
High School Shadow Day
Kayla spends a day shadowing Olivia, a kind high schooler who takes her under her wing. This is a glimpse of hope for Kayla, showing her that life does get better. However, a later encounter with Olivia’s male friend takes a darker turn, highlighting the vulnerability of young teens in uncomfortable situations.
Kayla’s Inner Growth
By the end of her eighth-grade year, Kayla decides to put her past behind her. She records a video message for her future self, reflecting not with shame but with pride at how far she’s come.
Movie Ending
The film closes with one of its most moving moments: Kayla sits with her dad around a backyard fire. She finally opens up, expressing fear about being unlikable and her struggles with self-esteem. Mark reassures her with unconditional love, telling her she’s already everything he could have hoped for in a daughter. This exchange shifts Kayla’s outlook.
In the final scene, she records a farewell video to middle school, placing a sense of closure on her awkward years. Instead of being crushed by her difficulties, she embraces them as part of her story. The ending isn’t a fairytale transformation—she doesn’t suddenly become popular—but it’s real, and it’s hopeful. Kayla finds her voice.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Eighth Grade does not have post-credits scenes. Once the credits roll, the story is complete.
Type of Movie
The film is a coming-of-age drama-comedy, deeply rooted in realism. It balances humor with moments of raw vulnerability, making it both relatable and emotionally impactful.
Cast
- Elsie Fisher as Kayla Day
- Josh Hamilton as Mark Day (Kayla’s father)
- Emily Robinson as Olivia
- Jake Ryan as Gabe
- Supporting cast includes middle schoolers who were largely non-professional actors, adding to the film’s authenticity.
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Anna Meredith, known for her experimental electronic soundscapes. The pulsing, anxiety-inducing music perfectly mirrors Kayla’s inner world—sometimes overwhelming, sometimes exhilarating.
Filming Locations
The movie was filmed in Suffern, New York, and surrounding areas. Real middle school classrooms and community settings were used, grounding the story in authenticity. These locations highlight the everyday, suburban backdrop of adolescence, rather than an idealized Hollywood version.
Awards and Nominations
- Elsie Fisher received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
- Won the WGA Award for Best Original Screenplay (Bo Burnham).
- Won multiple critics’ awards, especially for breakthrough performance and screenplay.
- Notably snubbed by the Academy Awards, which generated discussion in film circles.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Bo Burnham wrote the script drawing from his own struggles with anxiety.
- Burnham said he chose Elsie Fisher after watching hundreds of auditions—her vulnerability felt “undeniably real.”
- Many extras in the school scenes were real middle school students.
- Burnham intentionally avoided social media slang that might quickly feel outdated.
- Elsie Fisher herself was only 14 during filming, making her performance even more authentic.
Inspirations and References
The film is not based on a book but inspired by Bo Burnham’s personal experience with anxiety and the social media era. He wanted to capture what it feels like to grow up today, when every teenager is both a performer and an audience member online.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no known alternate endings. However, a few deleted scenes were cut for pacing, including extended classroom moments. Burnham has stated he wanted to keep the runtime tight to reflect the “intensity of a week in middle school.”
Book Adaptations and Differences
There is no book adaptation. The film stands on its own as an original screenplay.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Kayla’s awkward dive into the pool at the birthday party.
- The painfully uncomfortable car scene with Olivia’s male friend.
- Kayla burning her “time capsule” box from sixth grade.
- The emotional campfire talk with her dad.
Iconic Quotes
- Kayla: “I hope you’re being yourself, and not caring about what other people think. I mean, I hope you’re doing that.”
- Mark (to Kayla): “If you could see yourself the way I see you… you wouldn’t be so scared.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The YouTube videos Kayla records were written by Bo Burnham himself, inspired by real teen vlogs he binge-watched during writing.
- The “Most Quiet” award is based on a real tradition in some schools, often dreaded by introverted kids.
- Kayla’s closing video echoes her first—except this time, her advice sounds genuine.
Trivia
- The film received an R-rating in the U.S. for language, sparking debate since it’s about (and meant for) middle schoolers. Some theaters held “Eighth Grade Nights” with free entry for teens despite the rating.
- Elsie Fisher had previously voiced Agnes in Despicable Me before landing this role.
- The campfire speech between Mark and Kayla was shot in one take, with Fisher and Hamilton actually crying together.
Why Watch?
Because it’s not just a movie—it feels like a time machine. It takes you back to the awkwardness of being thirteen, but with empathy and humor. Whether you’re a parent, a teenager, or someone still haunted by middle school memories, Eighth Grade is a reminder that everyone feels lost sometimes—and that’s okay.
Director’s Other Movies
Bo Burnham is primarily known as a comedian and musician. Eighth Grade is his directorial debut, but he also:
- Directed several of his own comedy specials (Make Happy, what.).
- Later directed the Netflix special Inside (2021), which became a cultural phenomenon.
Recommended Films for Fans
- Lady Bird (2017)
- The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
- Boyhood (2014)
- Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
- Mid90s (2018)
- Booksmart (2019)
