How a teen romantic comedy about height became a global streaming phenomenon for Netflix
In short: Jodi Kreyman has spent her life feeling insecure about her height, a trait that has defined her since age three. When a Swedish exchange student arrives, her world shifts, forcing her to confront bullies, complex friendships, and the struggle for self-acceptance in this 2019 teen romantic comedy.
Directed by Nzingha Stewart and written by Sam Wolfson, Tall Girl premiered on Netflix in September 2019. The narrative centers on 16-year-old Jodi, who has been exceptionally tall since early childhood. Her daily life is marked by the taunts of classmates and the pressure of living in the shadow of her sister, Harper, a successful beauty pageant winner. Her internal conflict is mirrored by her external relationships, particularly with her long-time friend Jack Dunkleman, who frequently pursues her despite their significant height difference.
The plot accelerates with the arrival of Stig Mohlin, a Swedish exchange student who becomes the object of affection for many at the school. As Jodi navigates a series of social traps—including prank calls, a staged escape room, and a complicated homecoming dance—she eventually finds the courage to embrace her stature. The film culminates in a moment of self-realization where Jodi rejects the superficial expectations placed upon her, choosing instead to define her own worth.
While the film received mixed critical reception, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting a 42% approval rating and a consensus that it struggled to innovate within the teen comedy genre, it found a substantial audience. By October 2019, Netflix reported that over 41 million viewers had watched the film. This commercial performance paved the way for a sequel, which began production in 2021 and was released in February 2022, continuing the story of Jodi and her peers.
The production process, which began in New Orleans in January 2019 and concluded in March of that same year, involved a large ensemble cast including Ava Michelle as Jodi and Griffin Gluck as Dunkleman. The film remains a notable example of Netflix's strategy of collaborating with production houses like Wonderland Sound and Vision to generate original teen-focused content, even when critical consensus remains divided on the artistic merits of the genre.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Tall Girl
- Also: Wikidata — Tall Girl · CC0
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