Eighth Grade reviewed by Mark Kermode

Mark Kermode reviews Eighth Grade. 13 year-old Kayla struggles with social anxiety and growing up fast as she navigates the last year of middle school.
Please tell us what you think of the film -- or Mark’s review of the film. We love to include your views on the show every Friday.
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[@kleerude]

“Like all great coming-of-age movies, it’s a movie that makes you think it’s about you.” Nail on the head.

[@DodderingOldMan]

Ha, that must be why I find coming-of-age movies really tough to watch, the idea of a movie about me is both a terrifying and disgusting prospect :P

[@bobjones9497]

As someone a similar age to the main character, I can tell you this film is the most realistic film I’ve ever seen

[@arlosteiner8382]

That's cute you've got loads of films to enjoy

[@willemdafart7597]

@@arlosteiner8382 I think he is just saying that its the most accurate portrayal of what its like to be his age. Youre comment came off super condescending and unneccesary.

[@arlosteiner8382]

Austin Holden how was it unnecessary they do have far better films left to watch and condescending good it should come off that way because it was. Eighth Grade came off like a first draft not half as brilliant as its being portrayed as

[@bobjones9497]

Arlo Steiner I assume you are a middle aged man with a chip on your shoulder, you don't know what it is like to grow up on social media and have insecurities because of it

[@benpoulton6793]

@@arlosteiner8382 wow you're a tosspot aren't ya mate

[@TheHutchbros]

"Anyone with a beating heart.....and you Simon would love it." Top 5 moments on the show right there. Smashing review all around with a dig to close it out is *chefs kiss* brilliant.

[@BluRayMan12]

After waiting over a year to try and see the film legally I finally did at the Scottish Premiere and there was a Q&A with Bo Burnham afterwards. He spoke very passionately about the lack of films depicting an authentic teenage experience, his choice to focus the film on a girl (" boys wanted to talk about video games,girls wanted to talk about their souls") and about how the film was a response to the rise of Stranger Things style nostalgic media centred on teenagers. He's every bit as sharp and witty in person as you'd expect. The film is fabulous. I've now seen it twice and as much as I might not be a 13-year-old girl it's the closest anyone will get (I think) to depicting something in the vein of my own awkward secondary school years. A scary accurate representation of teenage awkwardness.

[@Jake-vy2bh]

Couldn't have put it better myself. No other film I've seen has captured what it means to be truly isolated at that age, stressing over every little interaction.

[@thatguyfromthatthing8573]

I was there too, a great Q&A.

[@rhyslloyd3200]

I completely agree. I have never been American, nor was I a 13 year old girl. However this film made me find my inner 13 year old girl, no matter who you are, you possess. I've been through similar situations and completely different situations yet I felt her character present in my best and worst moments growing up.

[@matthew5a]

Everyone’s saying it was really uncomfortable but I found the anxiety so relatable that it was comforting knowing other people feel like that

[@xNohitter21]

Absolutely phenomenal movie - Bo is someone to watch out for.

[@letmegoletmego]

Have you seen his latest Netflix special? I'd say he was a bit talented!

[@Ben_Mdws]

Always enjoy watching Mark talk about a film he loves.

[@iamsophiehannah988]

Absolutely adored this film! It touched me in so many ways and I cried so much watching it!

[@tobytowbs2370]

Bo Burnham and Richard Ayoade, should make a film together.

[@toma6068]

I find it heartbreaking how Kayla is trying so hopelessly to find friends in the very people she's ignored by, but the only one who's willing to help her open up and actually be her friend is the only one she keeps ignoring - her dad. This is one of Mark's best reviews I think, he's able to convey so much enthusiasm without losing sight of the million reasons he loves the film.

[@NickHunter]

well I think it's to do with the idea that you can always count on the love of your family (with some cruel exceptions) but to thrive in the world you feel you have to "earn" the love of strangers. Either way absolutely cracking film

[@davidsteel8324]

Genuinely one of the best films I’ve ever seen. Really special.

[@Krageesh]

Loved it. Had me smile, made me anxious, and what a heartfelt ending. Hit all the right spots.

[@johnnycanuck2]

What a fantastic review by Mark. He really knows how to wax poetic.

[@ChrisInTheNorth]

It was a very uncomfortable watch for someone 40 years older! The scene where she had to get herself into a pool party, which was her idea of hell really, was very well played, but there were times I wanted to shake her and say ' hey Your dad is a great bloke, talk to him' and 'Stop trying to be friends with the coolest kids, there are better friendships to be had'... but then I guess I've learnt a bit more!

[@grumpyyoda]

One of Marks finest reviews 👍

[@pearsemacintyre1728]

i love this review

[@ereyethirn]

This was my favourite film I saw last year. This epitomises why I love Mark as a critic - he picks up on all the things I love about it. When Mark spoke about how even though it's specific in its generation anyone of any generation can feel attached to it - that really hit me because growing up as a closeted gay male in New Zealand who was Kayla's age 20 years ago I felt like it was about me. That score too is just insanely brilliant - gets right to the heart of the film!

[@Themightybossk]

Mark is absolutely spot on! Loved it to pieces and I'm definitely going to see it again

[@vijayluhan6255]

That scene by the fire....just blew me away.

[@Katy-sh3ru]

Omg, that got my tears flowing

[@andy0liver]

Fittingly, as I'm watching this, this video has 170 views to the 2.3k views Avenger Endgame has so far racked up. One of the best films of the year/decade/millennium, if you can go see it, please go see it, the effort you make will be rewarded ten fold

[@austinfull8941]

Burnham should've been nominated for Best Director instead of McKay.

[@tehpickle1250]

Wow he really went all in on this one! I'll definitely give it a watch when I can. It's not showing in my local cinema though, unfortunately.

[@Buddybaba]

Out on DVD and streaming in USA now

[@glqm88]

Just want to thank you, Dr K - I sought this film out today and I've got to say I am so glad I did. It was a beautiful, awkward, uplifting, emotional film.

[@Cinephileofmany]

Little late to the party but just got round to watching this. Stunning piece of cinema

[@GarrettJuice69]

Wonderful review of a fantastic movie.

[@davidmitchell-baker1701]

I agree with Mark wholeheartedly, fortunately got the chance to see this at Sundance London last year and it blew me away, one of my favourite films of the decade

[@thatleeburton]

I watched this last week and thought it was brilliant. It's funny, cringeworthy, empathetic, visceral, and emotional. I truly loved it.

[@pearsemacintyre1728]

and this is why i love Mark Kermode.

[@nightforest666]

I get the impression Mark enjoyed this film.

[@badtracking]

Fantastic film. It's a shame it comes out in the UK the same time as Avengers Endgame which has pushed it out of the cineplexes.

[@A11sopp]

This film is realistic and relateable to the point of being uncomfortable. Fantastic stuff though

[@orcaflotta7867]

"Anyone with a beating heart - and you, Simon, would love it!"

[@12Daniel34]

7:40 "Does a fantastic job of getting us INSIDE" It was there all along!!

[@parkviewmo]

I am in the U.S., and I have been looking forward to your review of this film. You were spot-on with your comments. (You are the ONLY critic I have heard who connected it to Gregory's Girl, one of my first connections.) Bo Burnharm has said that his mom is a shining pillar of empathy. He obviously inherited a ton of that! . At first, I had to think about it a bit to think of the comedic moments--my first take was that it was a horror film But, oh, yes, funny. It is my favorite film of the last 10 years, and the future of film is in such good hands with Bo Burnham and Elsie Fisher. Oh, Bo, what will you do next?

[@PatrickMacQ]

Brilliant movie and I think Mark really got across the essence of its brilliance. Great review!

[@adamtokay]

This movie turned up on Netflix amongst all that garbage and I watched it because I rembered how passionate kermode was about it. Came back after the movie and I have to say the review is not only spot on but it's so well worded it's kind of brilliant in itself. Much like the movie.

[@godofwater1234]

I have just been to the Kubrick exhibition at the design museum and want to know where to see his films on the big screen (in London)

[@simpsonsama]

Jack Valentine The Prince Charles Cinema off Leicester Sq. Check the BFI too.

[@godofwater1234]

@@simpsonsama Thanks, I'll take a look

[@audiodead7302]

I loved it. Really relatable characters and situation. Reminds me of my own growing pains.

[@fragr33f74]

I did not expect this film to be as good as it is. Incredibly nuanced. My brain was expecting a typical coming of age genre trope where the character has an epiphany and solves life. But there's nothing cheap like that here.

[@MarzyPanda]

It's a fantastic film. Can't recommend it enough, go see it!.

[@spaceboy2095]

For me, the best US movie released in 2018 over there along with Green Book. I started by disliking the main character then ended up by wanting her as my little sister. Such a heartwarming, well-observed and perfectly well directed movie...

[@jd899]

I just finished watching Eighth and I whole heartedly agree with Dr K. Eighth Grade it is a charming and compassionate coming of age film.

[@coreykitchen5269]

It's painfully cringy, but that's why it's great.

[@ajax4887]

It only just came out here!?!?

[@asdf123581]

"any one with a beating heart ..." well said :)

[@GA-1st]

My choice for best film of the year. Yeah. Really...

[@bennystar29]

Fantastic film.

[@catsrule1343]

OK but what school has a most quiet award? That's basically just a less offensive version of having a most ugly or most stupid award.

[@charliepanayiotou4305]

Being waiting ages for this to come out here, absurd it's taken so long

[@MH-yu7gw]

Jesus Christ this man has good taste in movies:)

[@samr-vt4qt]

oh bo

[@KillahMate]

"The lurking underbelly of friendship"

[@65g4]

I loved it it was on my top ten list of 2018

[@raghavnandyal]

This movie is a must watch for anyone from an alien culture (non USA) who is thinking of moving to the USA and raising a family and ‘living-it-out’ in the USA.

[@_ginock_]

I almost feel this would be a good follow up or precursor to "All this Panic".

[@mattjazzfan2288]

Is this a re-upload?

[@SonRob01]

Matthew Mertens no it just only recently came to the UK (Legally)

[@mattjazzfan2288]

Son Rob ah ok, I’m in the states and I saw it over a year ago in theaters lol

[@mariacarolinecosta8793]

(Hm,) Actually, she DIDN’T get voted “most quiet” which I personally thought was a genius move. She was expecting to at least be noticed by being the shy kid, it was the only category she had any chance to be recognized for. And she doesn’t even get recognized for that and you see her face fall. She’s not even being recognized for not being recognizable. It’s a brilliant setting and a brilliantly acted small moment that tells a lot about the main character

[@aaronalbany84]

No, she did get voted ‘most quiet’ - I actually like your version better to be honest but just rewatched it now and they definitely say her name.

[@SonRob01]

Great film great cringe moments great uncomfortable scene

[@arlosteiner8382]

Didn't work for me just never found Burnham much of a talent but this was a surprisingly nice try

[@DChappelle27]

Am I the only one that didn't like this movie. It was just bo showing his own hardships in school...

[@malcolmscrawdyke1868]

Watch Welcome To The Dollhouse instead