Plot: What’s it about?
Growing up isn’t easy. And growing older is no picnic, either! Every single one of us has had to go through that “awkward age” where social acceptance is paramount. Friends are the support system and/or the lifeline that help many teens get through the disaster that is adolescence. When looking at this from Hollywood’s perspective (and who doesn’t?), it’s a genre that ‘s been done and done well many times in the past. From Rebel Without a Cause to The Breakfast Club to Mean Girls, the trials and tribulations of teenage life have been immortalized on celluloid. However, today’s teens have a different way of expressing themselves and it’s not necessarily social; despite the medium. Look around in a mall and you’ll see countless zombies staring at their phones, perusing Instagram, Twitter or whatever apps are out there that are foreign to me. Take a breath. It’ll be OK. They’ll grow up. It’s just a phase. Right?
Kayla (Elsie Fisher) is a typical teenager on the precipice of high school. She’s about to graduate (survive?) middle school and has had to deal with three years of raging hormones, social awkwardness and everything in between. She spends her time making YouTube videos preaching self-confidence and and expressing yourself (two things, ironically, she lacks). With no maternal influence, it’s just her and her dad (Josh Hamilton), who despite his praise of her, tries her best to ignore. Kayla, nearly invisible to her peers, finds some solace in her appointed shadow in high school (Emily Robinson), though still has to navigate the veritable social minefield of a “friend’s” pool party. Kayla’s awkwardness is indicative of those shy, introverted folks who are so desperately trying to be noticed.
The film’s non-linear narrative paves the way for a series of events as opposed to a straight-forward plot. In much the same way that Dazed and Confused took place over the course of one night, Eighth Grade takes place over the course of one week. Written and directed by Bo Burnham, who got his start in front of the YouTube camera, there’s a lot to like here. Like John Hughes before him, Burnham seems to have the pulse of today’s teens and it’s conveyed in the film. I myself am a generation removed from what’s really going on with the kids of today, so I can’t say I relate. However, I’d have to say that as a passive observer, the tone and emotional aspect was accurately captured. Eighth Grade seems unanimously praised by critics, though I’m sure there are those that will disagree. One thing is for sure, the future is bright for Elsie Fisher and Bo Burnham. Can we say the same for today’s youth? I hope so.
Video: How’s it look?
This low budget film doesn’t look like it as the Blu-ray’s 1.85:1 AVC HD transfer looks great from all angles. There are some low light scenes, though the image seems to convey them with the greatest of ease. The film opens with a “less than desirable” picture quality via YouTube, but it’s intentional. Fine detail, sharpness and overall image quality is on par with what we’d expect. It’s a good-looking film that’s sure to please.
Audio: How’s it sound?
There are several moments in the film when the music takes control. Songs of past are sure to unearth some memories from the viewer, but it’s Anna Meredith’s outstanding score which stitches the film together. Dialogue is full, rich and robust. Even Kayla’s shy voice can be heard when it’s just above a whisper. Perhaps the greatest use of the DTS HD Master Audio track is the pool scene in which it envelops, to great effect, the sound of being underwater. It’s not one that’ll challenge the limits of your system, then again it’s not meant to be.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Audio Commentary – Bo Burnham and actress Elsie Fisher do a great job with the included commentary track. Burnham leads the way with some insight into the production of the film while Fisher shows her limited experience by asking some fairly poignant questions about the film, how things were accomplished and so forth. It’s a great track.
- Deleted Scenes – Five total, though these are more extended scenes that total nearly twelve minutes in length.
- You’re Not Alone: Life in the Eighth Grade – This checks the “Making of…” box on the bullet point list, but it’s essentially something we’ve all seen before – interviews with the cast and crew along with some behind the scenes footage.
- Music Video
- Trailers – Other Lionsgate titles are featured: The Knack…and How to Get It, Billion Dollar Brain, Modesty Blaise and The Bed Sitting Room.
The Bottom Line
Eighth Grade has a slew of awards and other nominations and with good reason. It doesn’t re-invent the wheel, but puts a new spin on what is and has been an age-old genre in films (pardon the pun). Writer/Director Bo Burnham and actress Elsie Fisher have crafted a subtle, coming-of-age story that’s something everyone can relate to. Lionsgate’s disc looks and sounds great and features just enough supplemental material to give it a look.
