Standing out in a crowd isn’t always as glamorous as it seems. Set in modern-day New Orleans, Tall Girl tells the story of Jodi Kreyman, played by Ava Michelle, who struggles with her insecurities about being 6 feet 1 inch tall. Released in 2019, this Netflix original falls into the teen rom-com genre, combining the lightheartedness of adolescence with the deeper issues of identity and self-acceptance. The film features a charming young cast, including Griffin Gluck as Jodi’s best friend Dunkleman, Luke Eisner as the new exchange student Stig, and Sabrina Carpenter as Jodi’s pageant-winning sister Harper.
The story follows Jodi as she navigates high school life where her height is constantly a topic of discussion. After years of being teased and overshadowed by her petite sister, Jodi begins to question her worth. Her life takes a turn when Stig, a tall and charming foreign exchange student, arrives at her school. For the first time, Jodi feels she has met someone who understands her struggles, and she begins to fall for him. However, the situation isn’t as simple as she hoped. The film presents a classic love triangle involving Dunkleman, who has long harbored feelings for Jodi, but often goes unnoticed by her because of her insecurities.
One standout aspect of Tall Girl is its lead performance. Ava Michelle brings depth to Jodi’s character, portraying her internal struggles with authenticity. While Michelle is primarily known for her dancing career, she transitions smoothly into acting. She captures the frustration of a teenager who feels out of place in her own body. Dunkleman, played by Griffin Gluck, adds the much-needed comic relief, yet manages to maintain a certain sincerity. His character’s loyalty and unwavering love for Jodi are clear throughout the film, even if the character’s antics occasionally veer into cliché. Luke Eisner, as Stig, plays the quintessential heartthrob with a twist of charm and awkwardness, while Sabrina Carpenter adds flair as Harper, balancing her sisterly love with her pursuit of beauty pageants.
The direction by Nzingha Stewart is straightforward, focusing more on character development than intricate plot twists. Stewart keeps the narrative light and accessible, making sure to emphasize the film’s message about self-acceptance. While the film’s direction lacks complexity, it stays true to its teen rom-com roots, delivering a simple, heartwarming story that resonates with its intended audience. Stewart does a good job of keeping the pacing consistent, although some scenes feel predictable or drawn out.
Visually, the cinematography by Eric Edwards isn’t groundbreaking but serves its purpose well. The bright, warm tones add a vibrant, youthful energy to the film, aligning with its upbeat mood. The camera angles are often used to emphasize Jodi’s height, cleverly placing her in contrast with shorter characters to highlight her internalized alienation. For instance, in scenes where Jodi walks through her school, the camera angles tilt upward, showing her towering over everyone, which subtly reflects her discomfort in such spaces. This use of cinematography helps convey her isolation visually, even when she’s surrounded by people.
The music in Tall Girl is catchy and youthful, featuring a mix of contemporary pop songs that align with the film’s theme. Songs like Sabrina Carpenter’s “Why” fit seamlessly into the background, elevating certain emotional moments without overpowering the narrative. The musical choices are clearly targeted toward a younger audience, adding a fun, energetic backdrop to the overall tone of the film.
In terms of costume design, Jodi’s wardrobe plays a crucial role in shaping her character. Initially, she dresses in oversized hoodies and sneakers to avoid drawing attention to herself. However, as she begins to accept her height and embrace her individuality, her outfits become more fashionable and fitted. The subtle transformation in her clothing mirrors her journey of self-acceptance and confidence, which is one of the key themes of the film. Harper’s more glamorous wardrobe, on the other hand, contrasts sharply with Jodi’s, emphasizing the differences in how the two sisters view themselves.
The film’s themes of self-acceptance and the pressure of fitting into societal beauty standards are timely and important. Jodi’s journey to embrace her height speaks to the larger message of embracing one’s uniqueness, an issue that many teens face. However, the film doesn’t dive deep enough into these themes, often opting for a more surface-level exploration of Jodi’s insecurities. While the story delivers a positive message, it lacks the emotional weight needed to make it truly impactful. There are moments when the dialogue feels too predictable or generic, which undermines the film’s deeper potential.
On a broader level, Tall Girl touches on the idea of beauty being subjective. Harper’s character, who embodies traditional beauty standards, deals with her own insecurities despite her outward confidence. The film briefly touches on the idea that everyone has their own struggles, regardless of how they appear on the outside. However, much of this theme is sidelined in favor of the romantic subplot, which sometimes overshadows the more poignant moments of self-reflection.
In conclusion, Tall Girl is a charming, feel-good film that delivers an important message about self-acceptance, even if it doesn’t fully explore the complexities of that journey. Ava Michelle’s portrayal of Jodi is heartfelt and relatable, anchoring the film with sincerity. The supporting cast adds humor and warmth, particularly Griffin Gluck as Dunkleman. While the direction, cinematography, and music are serviceable, they don’t break new ground. The film sticks closely to the formula of a teen rom-com, providing a light, enjoyable viewing experience. For those looking for a breezy, uplifting story with a focus on self-empowerment, Tall Girl is worth watching. It may not leave a lasting impact, but it delivers enough heart and humor to keep its audience engaged.
