Eighth Grade 2018

Kayla Day, an eighth-grader navigating her final week of middle school in White Plains, New York, tries to find her place in a world dominated by social media. Despite her passion for creating motivational YouTube videos that focus on confidence and self-image, she struggles to gain any traction, receiving almost no views, while simultaneously earning the unflattering title of “Most Quiet” from her classmates. Her single father, Josh Hamilton as Mark, tries hard to connect with her but finds it challenging to help her break free from her social media dependency.

When Kayla receives an invitation to a pool party thrown by her classmate, Catherine Oliviere’s Kennedy, she’s initially hesitant since Kennedy invited her under pressure from her mother. In a moment of vulnerability, Kayla experiences an anxiety attack in the bathroom but bravely steps out to join the festivities, eventually meeting Gabe, played by Jake Ryan. Later, in a painfully awkward yet revealing encounter with her crush, Aiden, portrayed by Luke Prael, he suggests she should rejoin the group, prompting her to conquer her fear and take the stage to sing karaoke.

The reality of teenage relationships soon hits Kayla when she overhears Aiden discussing why he broke up with his last girlfriend—his request for nude photos. In a misguided attempt to impress him, she casually mentions having “a dirty photos folder” on her phone. When Aiden inquires about her sexual experience, insisting on the words “Do you give blowjobs?”, she naively agrees, unaware of its meaning. After a quick online search leaves her feeling revolted, she attempts to practice on a banana, only to be interrupted by Mark, who humorously calls her bluff by recalling her dislike of the fruit.

As Kayla transitions into high school, she participates in a shadow program where she encounters Olivia, played by Emily Robinson, a senior who quickly becomes fond of her. Their budding friendship offers Kayla comfort when Olivia shares her phone number, reassuring her that middle school experiences are often complicated, and she shouldn’t stress about peer opinions. But during a mall outing with Olivia and her friends, Kayla notices Mark lurking nearby, which causes her embarrassment and prompts her to shoo him away. Later, an uncomfortable car ride with Riley, played by Daniel Zolghadri, leads to a misguided game of truth or dare, where Riley’s intentions and approach leave Kayla feeling violated and confused.

Devastated by these encounters, Kayla breaks down at home, finding solace in her father’s embrace. In a moment of reflection, she decides to halt her video-making efforts, admitting she can’t provide advice when struggling to follow her own guidance.

In a poignant moment, she revisits a time capsule she crafted in sixth grade, watching a video where her past self curiously inquires about her friendships and romantic experiences. After discussing her feelings with her father, who reassures her that she fills him with pride, Kayla feels a wave of relief wash over her.

As graduation approaches, Kayla confronts Kennedy about her lack of acknowledgment regarding the thank-you note she had sent. However, the day takes a turn for the better when she enjoys a fun evening at Gabe’s house. Together, they create a new time capsule, which she buries in the backyard alongside her father. Kayla leaves an encouraging video message for her future self, urging her to stay resilient through life’s ups and downs, a testament to her growth throughout this transformative journey.