EIGHTH GRADE

It's normally a nice thing to receive an award in middle school, but shy Kayla is honored for being the quietest pupil, of all things. Graduation is only a week away, and after that she'll be in high school. Before it comes to that, however, there are still tests to be taken, a pool party to attend, some issues with her single father to deal with, and lots of other reasons for feeling uncomfortable. Hardly anyone watches the videos that Kayla posts on the Internet, but at least they're a space where she can give tips on soul-searching and talk about whatever's on her mind. In his feature-film debut, comedian Bo Burnham empathetically depicts the mirthful sorrows of an eighth-grader. Elsie Fisher was nominated for a Golden Globe for her refreshing performance.