Intellectual Property

As both a storytelling mechanism and a means of self-expression, Kayla records videos of herself giving advice on topics such as being yourself and growing up. She then posts these videos to YouTube, where they are met with little to no viewership. These videos, by virtue of being Kayla’s creation, are copywritten by default, but this legal protection does not come up in Eighth Grade at all.

At one point, Kayla opens a time capsule she made for herself at the start of sixth grade. Inside this capsule is a USB drive containing a video she made as a sort of letter to herself. The video shows a younger Kayla expressing hope for the future, in stark contrast to the downtrodden, pessimistic Kayla we have seen up to this point.

Kayla’s intellectual property is seen throughout the movie as a way of demonstrating to the viewer her emotional state, as well as what matters she considers to be important at the time. She frequently speaks on the nature of self-actualization and confidence, both of which are things she desires but lacks. She uses the act of creation as a solace from her real life, taking comfort in pretending to be the person she wants to become.