Discover the intricate plot of Tall Girl (2019). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
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.
Track the key events of Tall Girl (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Jodi's Insecurities
Jodi, a remarkably tall girl at 6 feet 1 inch, faces relentless criticism throughout her childhood. Feeling like an outcast among her peers, her insecurities begin to shape her identity.
Parents' Concern
Jodi’s parents, Richie and Helaine, are deeply concerned for their daughter. Richie's unusual fear of Jodi's continued growth leads him to consult a doctor about hormone treatments, which he later abandons after realizing the potential impact on her fertility.
Harper's Spotlight
In stark contrast to Jodi, her stunning sister Harper excels in beauty pageants, basking in the spotlight from a young age. This dynamic further exacerbates Jodi's feelings of inadequacy and isolation.
Fareeda's Support
Fareeda, Jodi's best friend, emerges as her staunch supporter. Amid the harsh bullying from classmates, she rallies behind Jodi, encouraging her to embrace her uniqueness and stand strong against the taunts.
The Arrival of Stig
The arrival of Stig, a charming Swedish exchange student, shifts the dynamics at school. Jodi finds herself captivated by him, igniting a desire to impress him and stand out amidst fierce competition from her classmates.
Shared Interests
Jodi bonds with Stig over their mutual love for piano and musicals. This connection deepens when Stig invites her to Dunkleman's home to watch a film, leading to a kiss that marks a pivotal moment for both of them.
Kimmy's Manipulation
After learning about the kiss, Kimmy uses it to manipulate Dunkleman, creating tension in his friendship with Jodi. She invites Jodi out, which causes her to cancel plans with Fareeda, showcasing the impact of high school rivalries.
Jodi's Jealousy
Attempting to spark jealousy in Stig, Jodi’s plans backfire and lead to disappointment. Fareeda's urging for Jodi to focus on her own happiness highlights the growing strain in their friendship.
Party at Dunkleman's House
With Dunkleman's parents away, he hosts a party where Stig finally confesses his feelings for Jodi. He invites her to Homecoming, reigniting her hope for a romantic connection.
Disappointment at the Pageant
Stig cancels his plans with Jodi to attend Harper's pageant, revealing his lack of genuine interest. Confronting him at the party, Jodi realizes he has been playing games, highlighting her feelings of betrayal.
Jodi Gains Confidence
After a confrontational moment with Dunkleman defending her honor, Jodi emerges more confident. She asserts her individuality, marking a crucial moment of self-acceptance amidst the chaos.
Turning Down Stig
When Stig offers a belated apology, Jodi resolutely turns him down, finally realizing her self-worth. This pivotal decision signifies her growth and independence away from the influences of those who belittled her.
Dunkleman's Affection
In a heartfelt exchange, Dunkleman reveals the reason behind carrying a milk crate: it symbolizes his wait for the right moment to express his feelings. This moment deepens their connection and highlights his earnestness.
A Significant Kiss
Standing on the milk crate to match Jodi's height, Dunkleman shares a significant kiss with her. This moment not only solidifies their romantic relationship but also marks Jodi's personal triumph over her insecurities.
Meet the characters that bring Tall Girl (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Jodi Kreyman
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.
Richie Kreyman
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.
Fareeda
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.
Dunkleman
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.
Stig Mohlin
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.
Harper Kreyman
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.
Uncover the settings of Tall Girl (2019), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
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.
Explore the core themes of Tall Girl (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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