Tanya’s Score: Great*
Rated: 14A
Starring: the kids are nobody recognizable, the father is somebody somewhat recognizable
Plot: An awkward eighth-grader (Elsie Fisher) struggles to make it through her final week of elementary school.
Tanya’s Verdict: I went into this movie thinking I would leave with a better insight into today’s eighth-grader. And while I did – – what surprised me was the connection I felt toward the main character Kayla in terms of my own Grade 8 memories. I can’t deny the fact that today’s teenager is facing issues I never had to deal with back in 1980-something – but some things never change: the awkwardness, the uncertainty, the insecurity.
Kayla is a likeable, though slightly geeky, awkward kid. She makes a series of short, self-help youtube videos that introduce certain scenes. For example, she talks about the challenge of “putting yourself out there” and of “being the real you”. She then attempts to actually follow her own advice – although heartbreakingly, she can’t see this – she believes herself to be a fraud.
Her father (Josh Hamilton) is a sincere man desperately struggling to make a connection with his only child, trying to ensure her safety while also granting her independence. His love and concern for her is so believable and relatable, it brought tears to my eyes. Why can’t he convince his daughter that she is wonderful?! Why can’t she see herself the way she actually is?! But alas – this is the struggle that all teenagers face at one time or another.
I loved this beautifully written, poignantly acted film. Parents should watch it together with their kids. One note though – this is NOT a light-hearted and fluffy movie. It is rated 14A for a reason. There are several dark, sexually-charged encounters within the movie as well as a number of F-bombs.
*Four score descriptions: Sh**; Okay; Good; Great