The film Eighth Grade kicks off with a video from its protagonist, Bella, who delivers a heartfelt yet awkward monologue about the importance of “being yourself.” This opening sets the tone for a movie filled with cringeworthy moments, perfectly encapsulating the uncomfortable reality of the final week of middle school. After all, that period of our lives was rife with nerves and uncertainty, making Eighth Grade remarkably relatable.
Written and directed by the talented comedian and actor Max Turner, the film draws from his own experiences. Turner, who gained fame through viral videos during his high school years, aimed to explore themes of anxiety and connection in today’s generation of tweens and teens. “I often felt an acute anxiety while performing,” Turner shared in an interview. “After shows, young girls would approach me, saying, ‘I understand exactly what you’re feeling. I’m going through it too.’”
As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that Bella is much more at ease communicating through her phone than engaging in face-to-face interactions. At school, she is shy and even recognized as the “Most Reserved.” Social media offers her a refuge; platforms like SnapChat and Instagram allow her to curate her self-image and control how she interacts with her peers. In this digital world, she can filter out her insecurities, a stark contrast to the rawness of real life filled with anxiety and fear.
For anyone dealing with anxiety, Eighth Grade strikes a painfully familiar chord. The intense awkwardness of its moments might make you want to hide, but therein lies its authenticity. As a woman, I found echoes of my own teenage experiences—like the desire to impress a crush or facing unwanted advances.
This film sheds light on a narrative that often goes overlooked: the journey of young girls navigating adolescence in the age of social media. The internet has introduced a new level of sexual awareness, with easy access to explicit content and unrealistic expectations around appearance and behavior. Furthermore, the rise of cyberbullying amplifies the pressures to conform to the seemingly perfect lives presented online.
What was once a challenging phase of life has become even more complex in a world where smartphones dominate our daily interactions. Eighth Grade captures the essence of growing up as a young girl today, providing a vital perspective that can help adults better understand the struggles their children face.
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In summary, Eighth Grade is more than just a film; it’s a poignant reflection on the trials of adolescence in a digital age, resonating deeply with anyone who’s ever experienced the awkwardness of growing up.