Eighth Grade 2018

In the midst of her last week of middle school in White Plains, New York, Kayla Day (Kayla) navigates the treacherous terrain of adolescence with a mix of vulnerability and desperation. Despite pouring her heart into creating motivational YouTube videos on confidence and self-image, she struggles to find traction online and faces an uphill battle making meaningful connections at school, where she’s earned the dubious distinction of “Most Quiet” from her classmates. Her single father, Mark (Mark), attempts to bridge the gap with his daughter but is met with resistance as Kayla becomes increasingly reliant on social media for validation.

A turning point arrives in the form of an invitation to a pool party hosted by Kennedy, a classmate who extends the olive branch only under duress from her mother. As Kayla battles anxiety in the bathroom, she eventually summons the courage to venture outside and meets Gabe, Kennedy’s cousin, amidst the sun-kissed splendor of the pool. The encounter sparks a glimmer of hope, but Kayla soon finds herself awkwardly entangled with Aiden, her long-held crush, who prods her to rejoin the group.

Seemingly on the cusp of breaking free from her shell, Kayla is jolted when she overhears whispers about Aiden’s previous relationship, which ended due to his former girlfriend’s refusal to send him compromising photos. Kayla, still reeling from this revelation, makes a passing comment about having a “dirty photos folder” on her phone, unwittingly piquing Aiden’s interest. His inquiry into whether she engages in oral sex prompts Kayla to respond affirmatively, unaware of the implications. As she later attempts to practice this new concept by simulating the act on a banana, only to be interrupted by her father, Mark, who exposes her bluff by reminding her that bananas are not her favorite fruit.

As Kayla navigates the uncharted territory of a shadow program at her local high school, she finds an unlikely ally in Olivia, a senior who takes Kayla under her wing. The kind-hearted mentor bestows upon Kayla a treasured gift: her phone number. A few hours later, Kayla seizes the opportunity to express her gratitude, and Olivia’s warm reassurances calm her nerves, dispelling worries about middle school’s notorious social minefield. With Olivia’s encouragement, Kayla is invited to join her friends at the bustling Palisades Center Mall for a fun-filled evening, where she momentarily forgets her concerns - that is, until Mark’s discreet surveillance from afar catches her off guard, prompting an embarrassed request for him to vacate the premises.

Later, as the night wears on and Riley offers Kayla a ride home, he initiates a cringe-worthy game of truth or dare, probing into her personal life with an unsettling intensity. As Kayla politely yet firmly rebuffs his advances, Riley’s awkward demeanor devolves into defensiveness, claiming his intentions were purely altruistic. The incident leaves Kayla emotionally drained, and she finds solace in the comforting presence of her father.

As a means of processing her emotions, Kayla revisits a time capsule from her sixth-grade days, where a video of her past self ponders questions about friendships and romantic entanglements. With her father’s assistance, Kayla decides to consign the capsule to flames, acknowledging the need for closure. In doing so, she also broaches a sensitive topic: does she bring sadness to her father? His heartfelt response - that she fills him with pride, rendering him incapable of sadness - brings her immense relief.

As graduation day approaches, Kayla confronts Kennedy about his apparent indifference towards her, despite her genuine efforts to connect. The encounter leaves her feeling empowered and vindicated. In the aftermath, Kayla finds herself in good company at Gabe’s house, where they share a carefree afternoon together.

In an act of introspection and self-care, Kayla creates a new time capsule, this time leaving a video message for her high school self, urging perseverance in the face of adversity. With her father’s help, she buries the capsule in their backyard, sealing it with a promise to herself: to rise above life’s challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.