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    Movie Review

    Teen star gives first-class performance in coming-of-age film Eighth Grade

    Alex Bentley
    Jul 26, 2018 | 1:59 pm
    Teen star gives first-class performance in coming-of-age film Eighth Grade
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    For many people, the middle-school years are among the most awkward ones of growing up. The hormones, the changing bodies, the ever-moving social politics — they all combine to make that time one of emotional survival, even for those who appear to have all the confidence in the world.

    As such, writer/director Bo Burnham couldn’t have picked a better subject for his debut film, Eighth Grade. It centers on Kayla (Elsie Fisher), who’s heading into the last week of 8th grade. Shy on the outside, Kayla is trying her best to be more outgoing, a side that comes out in a series of YouTube advice videos she records.

    At school, though, she can barely summon the courage to look others in the face, much less speak to them. She must deal with ultra-popular girls who won’t give her the time of day, an unrequited crush on a boy, her dad being embarrassing, and the soul-crushing “honor” of being named the “Most Quiet” in her grade.

    Burnham’s film not only gets right to the universal truths of what it’s like to be that age, but also feels so of-the-moment that you’ll be cringing in your seat at what kids are experiencing these days. Modern elements like ever-present cell phones, social media like Snapchat, and the numbing reality of school shooter drills are all a part of the film, adding layers of depth that didn’t exist even 10 years ago.

    For many, especially parents, watching the film will be like watching a slow-motion car crash. You can’t bear to look, but you also can’t look away. That goes double when the film broaches sexuality on several occasions. Seeing how Elsie and others navigate waters that they shouldn’t even attempt to wade into until years later is excruciating, but also illuminating.

    Fisher is no showbiz newbie — she was the voice of Agnes in the first two Despicable Me films and was Kevin Costner’s daughter in McFarland, USA — but this will likely be a breakout role for her. She makes you feel every inch of her emotional discomfort, leaving you aching to protect her. She may be playing someone her own age, but it’s a fully realized performance that ranks among the best of the year.

    You can go ahead and put Eighth Grade into the pantheon of coming-of-age movies. Its unique focus, clear and heartfelt emotions, and near-perfect lead character make it required viewing for anyone who claims to love movies.

    Elsie Fisher in Eighth Grade.

    Elsie Fisher in Eighth Grade
      
    Photo by Linda Kallerus, courtesy of A24
    Elsie Fisher in Eighth Grade.
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    This week's hot headlines

    Death of Dallas Caramel Company founder leads week's most-read stories

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    Jun 14, 2025 | 10:00 am
    Dallas Caramel Company
    Dallas Caramel Company
    Dallas Caramel Company

    Editor's note: It was a newsy week in Dallas. Sadly, the founder of a Dallas sweets company passed away; there was also news of a new gourmet European market in the works and peach cobbler coming to DFW Airport. Here's a chance to get caught up on the week's most-read stories, and here's help planning a fun weekend.

    1. Dallas Caramel Company founder Rain McDermott dies at 52. Dallas entrepreneur Rain McDermott, who founded artisan caramel maker Dallas Caramel Company when she was only 34 years old, died after a battle with breast cancer; she was 52.

    2. Gourmet European Market to open in north Dallas with pierogi and more. A new food shop with a distinct European flair is coming to Dallas: Called Gourmet European Market, it's opening at 17435 Preston Rd., in a shopping center south of Frankford Road, where it will feature food products from all over Europe but with a special focus on the Eastern European countries of Poland, Germany, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Israel, and Bulgaria.

    Gourmet European Market Polish gingerbreadPolish gingerbread at Gourmet European Market.Photo courtesy of GEM

    3. Chef and caterer opens Southern to-go cafe south of Dallas. A chef and caterer has opened an eponymous to-go cafe south of Dallas: Called The Cedric Frazier Experience, it’s an upscale soul food kitchen located at 103 Waller St., in Red Oak, where it opened on June 7.

    4. Dallas cuts slack on senior homeowners with new property tax exemption. Dallas seniors who own a home got cut a break: On June 11, the Dallas City Council approved additional property tax relief for senior and disabled homeowners by increasing the city’s property tax exemption for residents who are 65 or older or disabled.

    5. Peach cobbler concept to open 2 locations at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. Southern desserts are coming to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): The Peach Cobbler Factory, a chain based in North Carolina, will open not one but two locations at the airport. The first DFW location will open in Terminal D in late 2025; a second location will open in the new Terminal C Pier in 2026.

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