Year: 2019
Runtime: 101 min
Language: English
Director: Nzingha Stewart
A shy, insecure teenager who stands exceptionally tall finds her life unexpectedly changed when she develops a connection with a new student who is even taller than her. This sparks a surprising romance and throws her established social dynamics into disarray. As Jodi learns to accept and celebrate her individuality, she also navigates complex relationships with her family and friends, ultimately finding confidence and embracing her unique qualities.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Tall Girl (2019), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
The film explores the evolving journey of Jodi (Ava Michelle), a remarkably tall girl standing at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters), as she confronts and overcomes her deep-rooted insecurities. Throughout her childhood, Jodi endured relentless criticism, making her feel like an outcast among her peers. Her parents, Richie (Steve Zahn) and Helaine (Angela Kinsey), show concern for their daughter, with Richie harboring an unusual fear that Jodi will continue to grow uncontrollably, even consulting a doctor in hopes of halting her growth. Fortunately, he abandons the idea upon realizing that hormone treatments could impact her fertility.
In contrast to Jodi, her stunning sister Harper (Sabrina Carpenter) has always shone in the spotlight, dominating beauty pageants since childhood. Meanwhile, Fareeda (Anjelika Washington), Jodi’s staunch supporter and best friend, stands by her side, rallying against the bullies at school. One individual who admires Jodi from afar is Dunkleman (Griffin Gluck), a shorter classmate who carries his books in a milk crate instead of a backpack. Despite his affection for her, Jodi believes that a relationship is only feasible with someone who matches her height.
Things take a turn when Stig (Luke Eisner), a charming Swedish exchange student, arrives, instantly capturing Jodi’s interest. Dunkleman and his family become Stig’s hosts during his stay in the USA, but the competition is fierce, as every girl in school vies for Stig’s affection. To stand out, Jodi seeks advice from her sister Harper while grappling with the cruel taunts of classmate Kimmy (Clara Wilsey), a rival who has been ridiculing Jodi for her height for years and is now vying for Stig’s attention.
As fate would have it, Jodi and Stig find common ground through their shared love for piano and musicals. When Stig invites Jodi over to Dunkleman’s house to watch a film, the atmosphere becomes electric, culminating in a kiss on a subway ride home. However, their joy is quickly overshadowed by guilt, as Stig is still dating the popular Kimmy, leading them to agree to remain just friends.
When Kimmy discovers the kiss, she uses it to manipulate Dunkleman, creating tension between them. She invites Jodi out on a Friday night, prompting Jodi to cancel plans with Fareeda, much to her friend’s dismay. Jodi’s intent to spark jealousy in Stig does not go as planned, and Fareeda urges her to move forward and focus on her own happiness.
The plot thickens when Dunkleman’s parents leave town, allowing him to host a party where Stig takes the bold step of confessing he wants to transition their friendship into something deeper, asking Jodi to accompany him to Homecoming. Disappointedly, Stig cancels on Jodi for her sister’s pageant. At the party, when confronted by Jodi, it becomes clear that Stig was never genuinely invested in her and was merely playing games, reveling in his popularity at her expense.
After a heated altercation with Dunkleman defending her honor, Jodi gains newfound confidence to embrace her individuality. When Stig offers a belated apology, she resolutely turns him down, professing her feelings for Dunkleman instead. In a tender moment, she learns the reason behind Dunkleman’s unusual choice of carrying a milk crate: he’s been waiting for the right opportunity to express his love. Standing on the crate to reach her height, he closes the distance between them and shares a heartfelt kiss, marking a significant moment of personal triumph for Jodi.
Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 15:52
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