Tall Girl

In the heartwarming Netflix original film, Tall Girl, Jodi (Ava Michelle) is a 6'1" teenager navigating the complexities of high school. Growing up, Jodi has struggled to adapt to her unusually tall frame, often feeling self-conscious and awkward in the eyes of her peers. She has developed a habit of slouching, attempting to blend in and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to herself. Jodi's insecurities are exacerbated by the cruel remarks of her classmates, who frequently mock her height as an excuse to tease and belittle her. Despite her natural athletic ability and kind spirit, Jodi feels like an outcast, longing to fit in and be accepted. As graduation looms near, Jodi's best friend, Stig (Griffin Gluck), asks her to be his date for the school's annual dance. Jodi initially hesitates, but eventually agrees, hoping that being on the dance floor will be a chance for her to break free from her self-imposed isolation. However, things take an unexpected turn when Jodi meets a charming and handsome student named Hunter (Anjelica Bette Fellini), who becomes smitten with her. Despite his good intentions, Jodi feels pressured to change herself to impress him, leading to a confusing identity crisis. She starts to question whether her appearance is a major aspect of her self-worth. Jodi's struggles with self-acceptance are compounded by the complexities of high school social dynamics. She must balance her desire for popularity with her natural need for genuine connections with her peers. As graduation approaches, Jodi finds herself drawn to Stig's kindness, wit, and loyalty, but she's no longer sure if she wants to change to fit in or embrace her true personality. One of the most touching aspects of Tall Girl is Jodi's relationship with her mother (Sabrina Carpenter). Throughout the film, Jodi and her mother share heart-to-heart conversations about their shared fears and insecurities. Jodi's mother, who is also tall, understands Jodi's struggles and encourages her to be her authentic self. In a pivotal moment, Jodi's mother takes her on a journey to a local fashion show, where Jodi meets many other confident, tall individuals who challenge her narrow view of beauty. One of Jodi's new acquaintances, a striking female model named Tika (Sabela Walker), inspires Jodi with her poise, self-assurance, and inner beauty. As Jodi begins to explore her own self-worth beyond her physical appearance, she starts to stand taller, both literally and figuratively. With the support of her mother and Stig, Jodi gains the confidence to speak out against the cruel remarks of her classmates and assert herself in her own life. The film's climax takes place at the school dance, where Jodi finally shows her peers that she is more than just her height. Instead of hiding behind her insecurities, Jodi decides to own her uniqueness and showcase her talents. Her heartfelt performance on stage serves as a testament to the transformative power of self-acceptance. Throughout the film, Ava Michelle shines as Jodi, bringing a genuine vulnerability and relatability to the character. The cast's chemistry and humor add to the film's charm, making it an endearing and inspiring coming-of-age story. In the end, Tall Girl reminds viewers that self-acceptance is a journey, and that sometimes, it's necessary to stand tall to truly be yourself.