Tall Girl

Tall Girl, directed by Nzingha Stewart, is a contemporary, coming-of-age insider's look at the real-life struggles and bewildering pressures of a teenager, combined with the universal need for acceptance and the timeless snarls of adolescence. The film, which was released in 2019, stars Ava Michelle in the lead role, supported by Griffin Gluck and Sabrina Carpenter.

The movie revolves around the life of Jodi Kreyman, a 16-year-old girl living in New Orleans, played by Ava Michelle. Standing at 6 feet 1½ inches tall, Jodi is the epitome of the movie's title. She is wholly aware of her height, and it's the one thing she would change about herself if she could, mostly because she is taller than most of the students in her high school including the boys.

Her towering height has made Jodi the object of ridicule and bullying in her school. This aspect of the story lifts the movie from just another teen film to a more profound social commentary about body-shaming and its impact on teenagers. It sensitively narrates how high school, an often-unforgiving environment, adds to the hardships of growing up.

Jodi's story is supported by some quintessential characters - her idealistic, always comforting parents; her popular, beauty queen older sister Harper (played by Sabrina Carpenter), who stands in stark contrast to her, and her best friend Fareeda who dislikes assimilating into the crowd. A complex love triangle continues to grow throughout the film involving Dunkleman (Griffin Gluck), who's been Jodi's best friend since childhood and carries a lunch box with a milk crate to make up for the height difference, and a handsome and equally tall foreign exchange student Stig, who's new to town.

The introduction of Stig to Jodi's life brings a unique angle of a romantic-comedy to the movie. His arrival not only churns Jodi's love life but also leads her onto a path of self-discovery. Jodi's journey is filled with ups and downs, steps forward and steps backward, as she struggles to navigate high school life and identity amidst this newfound infatuation.

As a character, Jodi is relatable. She is a typical teenager, with uncertainties and insecurities about her appearance. She battles the constant scrutiny and awkward glances at her height, wishing she could blend in with everyone else. But with the unfolding of significant events in the high school setting, Jodi begins to question the importance and relevance of 'fitting in' the prescribed criteria of 'normalcy.'

Direction-wise, Nzingha Stewart does a commendable job in capturing the essence of high school drama, combining it with the complications of teenage life. The script spreads out a teen's internal and external struggles in balanced proportions, keeping the movie entertaining and intriguing at the same time.

Stewart's thoughtful direction of Tall Girl dovetails perfectly with the carefully-crafted screenplay, replete with comedic moments which offer a clever juxtaposition against the more serious issues at hand. Cinematographically, the movie stands out for its bright hues and visuals that add to the overall appeal of the film.

In terms of performance, Ava Michelle delivers a powerhouse performance in the lead role, making her character Jodi lovable and genuinely empathetic. The supporting cast also provides sturdy performances. Carpenter's Harper is delightful, and Gluck's Dunkleman is endearing. They all add layers to their roles making them distinct and memorable.

Tall Girl is a touching film about self-acceptance and the struggles of not conforming to societal norms within the grueling parameters of high school life. It's an exploration of insecurities and the journey of learning to love oneself, told convincingly from the perspective of a tall girl. Through its well-paced storyline, the film can strike a chord with the audience, and that’s where its strength lies. An amusing, compelling, and often poignant teen drama, Tall Girl is a cinematic affirmation that everyone is uniquely beautiful, just the way they are.