(3.5 / 4)
A harrowingly intimate and oftentimes comical portrayal of the way social media has complicated the already overwhelming transition from childhood to adulthood.
Eighth Grade marks the writing and directorial debut of multifaceted entertainer Bo Burnham, and on paper, a tender film such as this feels a bit unexpected. Burnham’s work, while always hilarious and witty, is consistently laced with profanity and touches on provocative, sensitive subjects in an almost arrogant manner. If one looks beyond this exaggerated stage persona though, Burnham’s songs have always contained cutting insights into the human condition and the hypocrisy present in the world. Songs like “Repeat Stuff” offer a biting criticism of the carefully constructed nature of mainstream pop songs but also demonstrate a degree of empathy for the unsuspecting adolescent victims of this manipulation. Bearing this in mind, it makes perfect sense that Burnham has masterfully crafted a sincerely honest portrait of the angst and dread that accompany growing up, whilst delivering this message through his own comedic lens.
