Tall Girl

Tall Girl Movie Poster

Tall Girl is a 2019 American romantic comedy film directed by Nzingha Stewart, written by Sam Wolfson, and starring Ava Michelle, Griffin Gluck, Sabrina Carpenter, and Paris Berelc. The film follows the story of Jodi Kreyman, a high school girl who stands at 6 feet 1½ inches tall. The narrative explores her struggles with feeling out of place and uncomfortable in her own skin due to her height, as well as her journey towards self-acceptance and finding confidence.

Plot

Jodi Kreyman, the tallest girl in her high school, has always felt awkward and self-conscious about her height. Her insecurities are compounded by her peers, who frequently make fun of her. Jodi's life takes a turn when a foreign exchange student, Stig Mohlin, arrives at her school. Being tall and handsome, Stig becomes the center of attention, and Jodi falls for him. However, she faces competition from her beautiful and charismatic sister Harper, and her best friend, Fareeda, encourages her to step out of her comfort zone. With the help of her sister and Fareeda, Jodi starts to see her height as an asset rather than a drawback. The film culminates in Jodi embracing her uniqueness and gaining the confidence to stand tall, both literally and figuratively.

Cast

• Ava Michelle as Jodi Kreyman
• Griffin Gluck as Jack Dunkleman
• Sabrina Carpenter as Harper Kreyman
• Paris Berelc as Liz
• Luke Eisner as Stig Mohlin
• Clara Wilsey as Kimmy Stitcher
• Anjelika Washington as Fareeda
• Steve Zahn as Richie Kreyman
• Angela Kinsey as Helaine Kreyman

Production

The film was announced in November 2018, with Netflix acquiring the distribution rights. Principal photography took place in New Orleans. Tall Girl marks the directorial debut of Nzingha Stewart, who is known for her work in television. The casting of Ava Michelle as Jodi was particularly fitting, as Michelle herself has spoken about her experiences of being bullied for her height in real life, bringing a personal connection to the role.

Reception

Upon its release, Tall Girl received mixed reviews from critics. While the film was praised for its heartwarming message and the performance of its lead, Ava Michelle, it was also criticized for its predictable plot and failure to fully explore the complexities of its premise. Despite the criticisms, Tall Girl found an audience on Netflix, particularly among teenagers who related to its themes of self-acceptance and overcoming insecurities.

Sequel

Following the success of Tall Girl, Netflix announced a sequel, Tall Girl 2, which was released in 2022. The sequel continues to follow Jodi's journey as she navigates the challenges of her newfound confidence and explores new relationships and personal growth.