Introduction
Netflix's latest coming-of-age film, Tall Girl, has been generating quite a buzz since its release. The movie revolves around the life of Jodi, a 16-year-old high school student who is 6 feet and 1 inch tall. While the film was intended to send a positive message about embracing one's uniqueness and differences, it has received widespread criticism for its shallow and stereotypical portrayal of tall people.
The Plot
The movie follows Jodi's struggles in high school, where she is constantly bullied and made to feel self-conscious about her height. She develops a crush on a Swedish exchange student named Stig who seems to be the only person who appreciates her for who she is. However, she soon realizes that Stig has his own insecurities and is not the perfect guy she thought he was.
The Stereotypes
One of the major criticisms of the film is that it reinforces negative stereotypes about tall people. Jodi is portrayed as a clumsy and awkward person who struggles to fit in with her peers. She is constantly reminded of her height by the other characters in the film and is made to feel like an outcast. This perpetuates the idea that being tall is a negative trait and something to be ashamed of.
The Shallow Characters
Another criticism of Tall Girl is that the characters are one-dimensional and lack depth. Jodi's friends are portrayed as shallow and obsessed with their looks, while Stig is a stereotypical foreign exchange student who is initially seen as exotic and desirable. The characters lack any real development or growth throughout the film, making it difficult for the audience to connect with them.
The Lack of Diversity
Tall Girl has also been criticized for its lack of diversity. The film takes place in a predominantly white high school, and there is little representation of people of color or other marginalized groups. This reinforces the idea that the only people who matter are white, middle-class Americans, which is a problematic message to send in today's society.
The Unrealistic Love Story
The love story between Jodi and Stig is also highly criticized for being unrealistic and shallow. The two characters have little in common other than their height and their initial attraction to each other. They do not have any meaningful conversations or share any real interests or values, making it difficult to believe that they could have a genuine connection.
The Message
Despite its many flaws, Tall Girl does attempt to send a positive message about self-acceptance and embracing one's differences. However, this message is lost amidst the shallow characters and unrealistic plot. The film could have been a powerful tool for promoting body positivity and celebrating diversity, but instead, it falls short and reinforces negative stereotypes about tall people.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, Tall Girl is a bad movie that fails to deliver on its promises. The film had the potential to be a powerful tool for promoting body positivity and celebrating diversity, but instead, it reinforces negative stereotypes and lacks any real depth or substance. If you're looking for a coming-of-age film that actually delivers on its message, there are plenty of other options out there that are much better than Tall Girl.