10 Movie Performances That Got Too Real

4. Elsie Fisher - Eighth Grade

Kirsten Dunst Melancholia
A24

In a just world, Bo Burnham's stunning directorial debut Eighth Grade would've been nominated for a pile of Oscars, especially for 14-year-old lead Elsie Fisher, who proves so jaw-droppingly convincing as high-schooler protagonist Kayla.

Elie's performance is so thoroughly authentic perfectly conveying the anxieties of those awkward adolescent years precisely because she literally experienced them in real-time while making the film.

Though Eighth Grade is awash in heart and humour, its more awkward passages are what make it feel so relatable, Kayla's discomfort in her own skin being both crushingly recognisable and seeming unmistakably drawn from her own experiences.

As much as many child actors come across as offputtingly self-affected and contrived in their acting styles, it doesn't so much feel like we're watching an acted performance here as we're seeing someone spill their guts on-screen.

Fisher may not have captured the Academy's attention, but she did at least receive a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.