Austin Teens Can Watch Film ‘Eighth Grade’ Free Wednesday Aug. 8

AUSTIN, TX — In the 21st century, eighth grade is arguably more challenging than the experience was for past generations — an experience exacerbated given the virtual landscape of social media in which today's children are immersed.

In effect, many eighth graders' lives are played out on social media —for better or worse. That duality of experience between the actual world and the virtual one was the inspiration of that led Bo Burnham to document teen lives on film, aptly titling his movie “Eighth Grade.”

While the subject matter is resonant with young teens, its R rating may prevent many from watching it unless accompanied by an adult. To get around that provision, A24 studio officials are offering screenings free of charge but only this Wednesday. Moreover, the deal is available at a single theater at various cities nationwide.

"Since Eighth Grade is rated R and that’s sort of stupid we’re doing free screenings in every state this Wednesday with no ratings enforced," Burnham wrote on his Twitter page. "Come watch, kids!

In Austin — the only Texas city with a screening — young people and their parents/guardians can watch the film at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar 1120 S. Lamar Blvd., starting at 7:45 p.m. Once at the theater, guests need to visit guest services to retrieve an admission ticket. But bear in mind: Tickets are limited, and will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.

Contact the theater or email info@A24films.com for more details.

“I just wanted to portray the way kids’ lives are," Burnham told Variety magazine while expressing regret the movie's content garnered an R rating. "It didn’t feel like our responsibility to portray the reality that we felt was appropriate for kids,” he added, noting all would be fine if kids lived in a PG-13 world.

The film, which opened nationwide Friday, follows Kayla (played by Elsie Fisher) as she navigates challenges unique to her peer group — anxiety, cliques, peer pressure, puberty — but with the added angst of having milestone moments played out on social media.

The film has been widely praised by critics. On the aggregating film reviews site Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has earned a 98 percent fresh rating. New Yorker magazine noted the “acute observations” the film sheds light on as it relates to social media's negative impact on teenagers. For its part, Newsday described the movie as “achingly honest.”

Watch the film trailer below:

For those in other states, click here to view a list of screening theaters.

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