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Tall Girl (2019) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Tall Girl (2019) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2019 · 101 min · English
Echo score 34
JustWatch #31,772 1
Directed by
Nzingha Stewart
Starring
Steve Zahn, Paris Berelc, Angela Kinsey, Anjelika Washington, Ava Michelle, Clara Wilsey
Budget
$13.6M

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.

On this page (9)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (6)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Tall Girl
  8. 8 Categories
  9. 9 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Tall Girl (2019)

Where can you watch Tall Girl? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Netflix and Netflix Standard: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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6 main characters · contains spoilers

Tall Girl Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Tall Girl (2019), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Jodi Kreyman

    played by Ava Michelle

    Jodi is a tall girl who struggles with her self-image due to years of bullying and criticism. As she confronts her insecurities, her character grows from a timid individual to someone who embraces her height and uniqueness. Her journey is a testament to personal growth and the importance of self-love.

    • 👧 Tall
    • 🌸 Growth
    • 🌟 Unique
  • Richie Kreyman

    played by Steve Zahn

    Richie is Jodi's concerned father who initially fears for her health related to her height. His overprotectiveness stems from love, but he ultimately learns to support Jodi's journey towards self-acceptance. His character reflects parental concern and the challenges of fostering independent growth.

    • 👨‍👧 Fatherly
    • 🛡️ Protective
  • Fareeda

    played by Anjelika Washington

    Fareeda is Jodi's best friend and staunch supporter, always there to defend her against bullies. Her loyalty and encouragement are crucial to Jodi's confidence. Fareeda's character serves as a reminder of the transformative power of friendship.

    • 🤗 Supportive
    • 💪 Brave
  • Dunkleman

    played by Griffin Gluck

    Dunkleman is a short, compassionate classmate who harbors feelings for Jodi. He stands out as a true friend, supporting her even amidst misunderstandings. His character evolves to show that love comes in all shapes and sizes.

    • ❤️ Sensitive
    • 💙 Loyal
  • Stig Mohlin

    played by Luke Eisner

    Stig is a charming Swedish exchange student who becomes the object of Jodi's affection. His initial attention captivates Jodi, but his later actions reveal a less genuine side. He embodies the challenges of teenage romance and the importance of sincere relationships.

    • 🇸🇪 Charismatic
    • 🎭 Complicated
  • Harper Kreyman

    played by Sabrina Carpenter

    Harper is Jodi's beautiful and popular sister who has always garnered attention. While she initially appears to overshadow Jodi, her character ultimately provides guidance and support, showcasing the dynamics of sibling relationships.

    • 👸 Popular
    • 🌟 Supportive

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:13

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Setting

Where and When Does Tall Girl Take Place?

The setting of Tall Girl (2019): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

Present Day

The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting the struggles of today's youth regarding self-acceptance and societal pressures. This modern context allows for relatable themes and situations that resonate with the current generation, particularly in the realm of teenage relationships and self-esteem.

Location

High School, Homecoming Dance, Dunkleman's House

The majority of the film unfolds in a typical high school setting, where social hierarchies and teenage insecurities play out. Dunkleman's house provides a backdrop for key moments and gatherings, including a significant party where pivotal interactions occur. The Homecoming Dance symbolizes the climax of the characters' relationships and personal growth.

  • 🏫 School
  • 🎉 Celebration
  • 🏠 House

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:13

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3 major themes

Tall Girl Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Tall Girl (2019) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Self-Acceptance

    A central theme of the film is Jodi's journey towards self-acceptance. Initially plagued by insecurities about her height, she gradually learns to embrace her uniqueness. The evolution of her character highlights the importance of inner confidence and the acceptance of one's individuality despite societal pressures.

  • Friendship

    Friendship plays a crucial role in Jodi's life, especially through her unwavering support from Fareeda. Their bond demonstrates the importance of having someone to rely on during difficult times. Throughout the story, Jodi learns to prioritize genuine relationships over superficial ones, underscoring the value of true friendship.

  • Love and Relationships

    The exploration of love and relationships is another significant theme. Jodi navigates her feelings for both Dunkleman and Stig, illustrating the complexities and challenges of teenage romance. The film ultimately emphasizes that love should be about acceptance and mutual respect, rather than fitting into societal expectations.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:13

Was this helpful?

Character & theme questions

Tall Girl Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Tall Girl (2019): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where does most of Tall Girl take place?

Most of the film takes place at a typical American high school, where social hierarchies and teenage insecurities play out. Key scenes also occur at Dunkleman's house, particularly during a significant party, and at the Homecoming Dance, which serves as a climax for the characters' relationships and personal growth.

  • high school setting
  • dunkleman's house
  • homecoming dance
  • locations
Q2

When is Tall Girl set?

The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting the struggles of today's youth regarding self-acceptance and societal pressures. This modern context allows for relatable themes and situations that resonate with the current generation, particularly in the realm of teenage relationships and self-esteem.

  • present day
  • contemporary
  • modern setting
  • time period
Q3

What is the main theme of Tall Girl?

The central theme is Jodi's journey towards self-acceptance. Initially plagued by insecurities about her height, she gradually learns to embrace her uniqueness. The evolution of her character highlights the importance of inner confidence and accepting one's individuality despite societal pressures.

  • self-acceptance
  • individuality
  • confidence
  • personal growth
Q4

Who is the main character Jodi?

Jodi Kreyman is a tall teenage girl who struggles with her self-image due to years of bullying and criticism about her height. As she confronts her insecurities throughout the story, her character grows from a timid individual to someone who embraces her height and uniqueness, representing a journey of personal growth and self-love.

  • jodi kreyman
  • main character
  • tall girl
  • protagonist
Q5

Who is Jodi's best friend in the movie?

Fareeda is Jodi's best friend and staunch supporter throughout the film. She is always there to defend Jodi against bullies and provide encouragement. Their bond demonstrates the importance of having someone to rely on during difficult times, and Fareeda's loyalty is crucial to Jodi's growing confidence.

  • fareeda
  • best friend
  • supportive friend
  • bff
Q6

What is Jodi's relationship with her father like?

Jodi's father Richie Kreyman is a concerned parent who initially fears for her health related to her exceptional height. His overprotectiveness stems from love, but he ultimately learns to support Jodi's journey towards self-acceptance. His character reflects the challenges of parental concern and fostering independent growth in children.

  • richie kreyman
  • father
  • parent
  • family dynamics
Q7

Who is Harper in Tall Girl and what is her relationship with Jodi?

Harper Kreyman is Jodi's beautiful and popular sister who has always garnered attention. While she initially appears to overshadow Jodi due to her conventional beauty, Harper's character ultimately provides guidance and support to her sister, showcasing the complexities and ultimately the warmth of sibling relationships.

  • harper kreyman
  • sister
  • sibling relationship
  • popularity
Q8

How does Tall Girl explore the theme of friendship?

Friendship plays a crucial role in Jodi's life, particularly through her unwavering support from Fareeda. Their bond demonstrates the importance of having someone to rely on during difficult times. Throughout the story, Jodi learns to prioritize genuine relationships over superficial ones, underscoring the value of true friendship in navigating teenage challenges.

  • friendship
  • loyalty
  • true friends
  • peer support
Q9

What does Tall Girl say about love and relationships?

The film explores love and relationships as Jodi navigates her feelings for both Dunkleman and Stig, illustrating the complexities and challenges of teenage romance. The movie ultimately emphasizes that love should be about acceptance and mutual respect, rather than fitting into societal expectations or superficial standards.

  • teenage romance
  • love
  • relationships
  • acceptance
Q10

What kind of movie is Tall Girl?

Tall Girl is a teen-centric comedy with a light, hopeful tone typical of the genre. While it touches on themes of bullying and self-doubt, these struggles are framed within an optimistic context where personal growth is achievable. The film follows a conventional narrative arc of problem, romantic complications, and eventual resolution leading to a happy ending.

  • teen comedy
  • light tone
  • feel-good
  • happy ending

Movie threads

More Movies Like Tall Girl, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Tall Girl tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies about awkward teenage self-discovery like Tall Girl

Stories where teenage insecurities lead to a journey of self-acceptance and confidence. If you liked Tall Girl's story about Jodi overcoming her insecurities, you'll enjoy these movies about teenage self-discovery. This section features feel-good high school comedies and coming-of-age stories where characters learn to accept themselves, offering similar uplifting and hopeful journeys like in Tall Girl.

  • teenage angst
  • self-discovery
  • awkward
  • hopeful
  • uplifting
  • coming of age
  • Tone: light, uplifting, hopeful
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories typically follow a straightforward arc: a teenager struggles with a social or personal insecurity, which is challenged by new relationships or events, leading to a climactic moment of self-realization and culminating in increased confidence and a happy, affirming ending.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped together because they share a core focus on the lighthearted, often awkward, but ultimately positive emotional journey of teenage self-acceptance. They feature relatable social dynamics, a steady pace, and a feel-good tone that makes the challenges of adolescence seem surmountable.

Uplifting high school romance movies similar to Tall Girl

Sweet romantic comedies where love helps characters find their confidence in high school. For fans of the sweet romance in Tall Girl, this section recommends similar feel-good high school romance movies. These films feature charming love stories that drive character growth, set against the familiar backdrop of teenage social life, perfect if you're looking for more lighthearted romantic comedies like Tall Girl.

  • romantic
  • feel-good
  • uplifting
  • high school
  • sweet
  • charming
  • Tone: light, romantic, feel-good
  • Pacing: steady
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a relatable protagonist entering a new romantic relationship that disrupts their social standing. This leads to comedic misunderstandings and conflicts with friends or family, all of which are resolved as the protagonist gains maturity and the romance culminates in a heartwarming, positive resolution.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a specific blend: a high school setting, a central romance that drives the plot, a light and upbeat tone, and low-stakes interpersonal conflicts. They offer a comforting, predictable, and optimistic viewing experience centered on young love and personal triumph.

If you liked this

Movies Like Tall Girl

Similar movies to Tall Girl: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Categories

Movie Lists Featuring Tall Girl

Tall Girl appears in these hand-built movie categories. Each one groups movies by a specific mood, theme or story type, with their plot summaries and endings explained.

View all movie categories

Every angle

Tall Girl (2019) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Tall Girl in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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