Eighth Grade

"Eighth Grade" is a poignant coming-of-age film that follows the journey of thirteen-year-old Kayla Day, portrayed by the talented Elsie Fisher. As the movie unfolds, we find Kayla navigating the complex and often overwhelming landscape of contemporary suburban adolescence during her final week of middle school. This period is particularly significant for her, as she reflects on her experiences throughout a challenging eighth-grade year, characterized by social anxiety and the quest for self-identity. With her sights set on the impending transition to high school, Kayla grapples with her feelings of inadequacy and the desire to connect with her peers, all while using the power of social media to express herself.

The film delicately captures the nuances of Kayla's life as she strives for acceptance in a world dominated by social interactions and digital communication. With moments that are both relatable and raw, viewers are invited to witness Kayla's struggles with fitting in and her longing to be seen. Through various encounters, from awkward middle school events to her interactions with her father, Mark Day, played by Josh Hamilton, we get a glimpse into the emotional landscape of adolescence. The film does an outstanding job of portraying the challenges many young teens face, deftly blending humor and a sense of realism that resonates with viewers of all ages.

As Kayla prepares to embark on her high school journey, "Eighth Grade" becomes a celebration of resilience and the search for self-acceptance. With its insightful writing and relatable characters, the film serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of these formative years. It encourages audiences to embrace their true selves and fosters empathy for those who might be going through similar struggles. Overall, "Eighth Grade" stands out as a relevant and heartfelt portrayal of the trials of growing up in an increasingly complicated world.

Main Cast of Eighth Grade

Elsie Fisher's portrayal of Kayla Day in the film "Eighth Grade" is a standout performance that captures the raw and uncomfortable essence of adolescence with remarkable authenticity. As Kayla, Fisher delivers a nuanced depiction of a thirteen-year-old navigating the treacherous waters of middle school, a period fraught with social pressures, self-doubt, and the yearning for acceptance. Her performance is characterized by an endearing vulnerability and an understated strength, as she oscillates between the desire to fit in and the struggle to assert her individuality. Fisher's ability to convey the intricate emotions of her character, from the nervous hesitations to the unexpected bursts of confidence, resonates deeply with viewers, evoking empathy and nostalgia for the tumultuous coming-of-age journey. Her embodiment of Kayla is not just acting; it's a profound reflection of the universal pangs of growing up, making her character's experiences universally relatable and her performance one of the most memorable in recent cinematic history.

Josh Hamilton delivered a nuanced and heartfelt performance as Mark Day in Bo Burnham's poignant film "Eighth Grade." Hamilton's portrayal of the well-meaning, if occasionally awkward, single father to protagonist Kayla Day (played by Elsie Fisher) is both endearing and relatable. His character navigates the delicate balance of wanting to connect with and support his daughter during her tumultuous final week of middle school, while also respecting her need for independence and privacy. Hamilton's performance is marked by a genuine warmth and an undercurrent of subtle concern, effectively conveying the emotional complexities of parenthood in the digital age. His interactions with Fisher are particularly compelling, showcasing a dynamic that feels authentic and tender, capturing the push-and-pull of a parent-child relationship at a crossroads. Hamilton's Mark Day is a testament to the actor's ability to embody a character with both strength and vulnerability, making his performance one of the film's many standout elements.

Emily Robinson delivers a poignant and authentic performance as Olivia in the film "Eighth Grade," expertly capturing the nuances of teenage life with both warmth and insight. As Olivia, Robinson embodies the complex role of a high school student who befriends the protagonist, Kayla, during her challenging transition into young adulthood. Robinson's portrayal is marked by a natural charisma and a deep understanding of the social dynamics at play within the microcosm of middle school. She brings a gentle confidence to the character, serving as a compassionate mentor to Kayla while also revealing Olivia's own vulnerabilities beneath the surface. Robinson's chemistry with costar Elsie Fisher is palpable, and their interactions are some of the film's most heartfelt and genuine moments. Through subtle expressions and a thoughtful demeanor, Robinson ensures that Olivia resonates as a beacon of hope and maturity, offering a relatable depiction of the older, cooler peer that many young viewers might recall from their own experiences. Her performance is a testament to her talent and the care she took in bringing this pivotal character to life, making Olivia a standout role in a film that delicately explores the trials and triumphs of adolescence.

Jake Ryan delivers a noteworthy performance as Gabe in Bo Burnham's poignant film "Eighth Grade," bringing a warmth and authenticity to the role of a single father trying to connect with his introverted daughter, Kayla. Ryan's portrayal of Gabe is both endearing and occasionally awkward, capturing the universal struggle of parenthood with a gentle touch. His character is a pillar of unconditional love and support, often attempting to bridge the gap between his teenage daughter's world and his own, with a mix of humor and genuine concern. Ryan's performance is a testament to the nuanced writing of the film, as he navigates the delicate balance of being a caring father who is sometimes met with the typical resistance of a teenager seeking independence. His scenes are some of the film's most heartfelt, highlighting the growth and understanding that can come from the evolving relationship between a parent and their child during the tumultuous middle school years.

Daniel Zolghadri delivers a noteworthy performance as Riley in Bo Burnham's poignant film "Eighth Grade," adeptly capturing the complex dynamics of adolescent relationships. Riley is a character who initially presents himself as a charming and friendly upperclassman, offering kindness to Kayla, the protagonist played by Elsie Fisher, during her tumultuous last week of middle school. Zolghadri's portrayal is both genuine and unsettling, as he skillfully balances Riley's supportive demeanor with subtle undertones of manipulation, reflecting the intricate social interactions and power imbalances that are often prevalent in the lives of teenagers. His performance is a testament to the nuanced understanding of the character, contributing to the film's authentic exploration of the middle school experience and the awkward, sometimes painful, reality of growing up. Zolghadri's portrayal resonates with audiences, as he encapsulates the confusing mixture of innocence and maturity that defines the transition from childhood to young adulthood, making Riley a memorable and thought-provoking character within the film's narrative.

Secondary Cast of Eighth Grade

Nora Mullins

Steph

Trinity Goscinsky-Lynch

Dylan

Keith Maurice Davis

High School Boy

William Alexander Wunsch

Brave Boy

Tristan Wheeler

Andrew Fields

Kylie Seaman

Kristen S.

Dylan Vonderhorst

Dawn Ringlehein

Luke Mulligan

Jed Goodwin

Louisa Rose Guarasci

Jackie S.

Brenna Parker

Missy Bytel

William Koo

Garrett

Andrew Geher

Crazy Dancing Boy

Faith Kelly

Student

Jalesia Martinez

High School Student

Blair Seaman

High School Student

Veronica Bikowicz

Middle School Student

Castor Feinberg

Middle School Student

Molly Forman

Middle school student

Vivek Nickolas Mathews

Middle School Student

Olivia Galligan

Middle School Student

Kendall Seaman

Middle School Student

Nina Victoria Mathews

Middle School Student

Kaileen Quinones

Middle School Student

V. Rocco Russell

Middle School Student

Crew of Eighth Grade