EIGHTH GRADE (2018)

8/20/18 - Eighth Grade (2018) - 8-/10

Such a taught and clenched experience, it is a true release once it ends. This is the type of “horror” that was getting to me: seeing the arduous social pitfalls that this young woman must navigate and fearing the social disgrace coming her way. It made me want to look away and brace myself. But once we come come through to the other side, it is like a ray of sunshine hope, not only for the movie goer but as a citizen in the newer modern age. My opening is of the primal movers inside me while watching (which should not be discounted. Isn't’ this what we all want from our entertainment?), but I must wholeheartedly express that it may not sound fun or enthralling, but it is vivid and wonderful.

This is a movie of subtle brilliance. Earnest and evocative, relying on an empathy that is nigh transcendent. I would recommend it to everyone, for there is something there for everyone (perhaps that is just coming from another introvert dork who was able to see parts of himself in her desperate attempts to stay upright and above-water in the unforgiving pool of youth). I would most intensely recommend to those with children, struggling to adapt to their evolving techno lifestyle and the innate experiences of their growing youths. In fact, I felt like Bo Burnham did a tremendous job of exploring the way that young people aren’t necessarily addicted to social media/their cell phones, but it is simply the way that they experience the world. Clicking the likes, making videos, googling for wisdom; for them, how could there be a different way to live? The poignant example of generational differences for when someone first used Snapchat, even though they are but 4 years apart, was so true and vital to the overall message of the affair. It is the bridging of other worlds and alien lifestyles, that result from pulling out one’s headphones at the dinner table and suffering through parental interactions at their barest minimum.

A vision at the hard to decipher and unique life that is crushingly devastating but ultimately fleeting: childhood. This peering insight was so authentic and cleverly done, complete with tender touches and real soul. Elsie Fisher and Josh Hamilton are fantastic in their convincingly pure impressions of those pre-high school moments. Sympathetic and sincere.

I am so happy that my experience was so plain as I walked lazily through as the dullard male that I was. We all have issues, but my basic math is their long division. A woman’s tightrope walk appears to be over a bed of broken knives. The weight seems heavy, and a great film can place that gravity upon the viewer’s chest.

Plus: A Perturbator track played a key role. How could I not love that?