In a world where everyone wants to be like someone else, being yourself becomes the hardest thing. Tall Girl, a teen movie from Netflix, takes us back to the insecurities of youth, teaching that self-acceptance is more important than seeking love from others.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Jodi Kreyman (Ava Michelle) is a high school girl who stands 185 cm tall, a trait that is both her highlight and her insecurity. She is often seen as different by her peers and society. But when 'Stig' (Luke Eisner), a handsome Swedish boy of similar height, transfers to her school, Jodi sees a chance to feel normal for once. A love triangle ensues when Jack (Griffin Gluck), her best friend who has secretly liked her for a long time, becomes a key player.
Acting and Characters
Ava Michelle as Jodi convincingly portrays the discomfort of a teenager who feels out of place, especially in scenes where she has to stoop to fit into a world of average-height people. Sabrina Carpenter as Harper, Jodi's supportive older sister, adds color and humor. Meanwhile, characters like Jack and Kimmy (Clara Wilsey) stick to typical teen archetypes but fulfill their roles adequately for this genre.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Director Nzingha Stewart uses camera angles that emphasize Jodi's height, such as shots from others' eye level looking up at her. The school setting is bright and colorful, typical of teen movies. The soundtrack is upbeat but not particularly memorable. However, the film lacks technical creativity, making it feel more like a standard TV movie than a standout work.
Editorial Analysis
Tall Girl isn't a game-changer, but it addresses self-acceptance through the lens of a physically different girl. The film tries to convey that 'height isn't the problem, attitude is,' but its presentation falls into the clichés of formulaic teen movies, with flat characters and occasionally stiff dialogue. Still, it has heartwarming moments, especially in Jodi's relationships with her sister and best friend, offering valuable lessons for teen viewers.
Verdict
Tall Girl is a pleasant teen movie to watch on a free day, but it's not outstanding or memorable. If you're a fan of the genre or looking for an encouraging film for teens who feel different, you might enjoy it. But if you expect depth and innovation, look elsewhere.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Lead actress convincingly portrays the protagonist's discomfort
- +Self-acceptance theme resonates with teens
- +Warm and lovely Kreyman family dynamics
👎 Cons
- −Clichéd plot following typical teen movie formula
- −Supporting characters lack depth and memorability
- −Some dialogue feels unnatural
Top Cast
FAQ
There are two Tall Girl movies: Tall Girl (2019) and Tall Girl 2 (2022).
The movie teaches self-love and acceptance, emphasizing that confidence comes from within, not from appearance.
Ava Michelle is actually 6 feet 2 inches (about 188 cm), taller than Jodi's 185 cm in the film.
