One cherished family tradition we have is watching a movie together every Friday night. As my kids have grown, we’ve expanded our film choices beyond just Disney classics (I promise, no shade thrown at Bruno here!). This past weekend, we chose Tall Girl 2, the newly released sequel on Netflix, and I was pleasantly surprised to find it sparked meaningful discussions about mental health among us.
In this follow-up to the 2019 teen romantic comedy, we find Jodi navigating a new chapter at school, embracing popularity and acceptance, yet she is unprepared for the emotional challenges that lie ahead.
A standout aspect of Tall Girl 2 is that it’s not necessary to see the first movie to appreciate this one. However, what truly resonated with me was how it seamlessly integrates themes of mental health, imposter syndrome, and anxiety into its storyline. It presents relatable scenarios that help normalize these discussions with our children.
Creating Space for Vital Mental Health Dialogue
Jodi, portrayed by Ava Michelle, grapples with a harsh inner critic throughout the film. This negative voice undermines her confidence, whispering that she isn’t enough and that she’s a fraud. I find this all too relatable, as many of us battle with what’s often termed imposter syndrome. I distinctly remember my own struggles with similar negative self-talk during my adolescence.
To my surprise, my kids began to ask, “Mom, do you feel that way too? I sometimes do!” Although we maintain an open dialogue about mental health at home, I never anticipated that this film would serve as such an effective conversation starter. Tall Girl 2 even illustrates a realistic anxiety attack: the panic, rapid breathing, and the feeling of being unable to catch your breath—experiences that can be frightening, especially for young people who may not understand what’s happening. Seeing a character their age confront these challenges made a significant impact.
Having a portrayal of anxiety can help our kids feel less alone and reduce panic in real-life situations. It also provides an opportunity to learn how to support friends who might be struggling.
Breaking Stigmas Through Real-Life Representation
Often, films and books present emotional struggles as neatly resolved, glossing over the messy realities of untreated mental health issues. As someone who experiences depression, anxiety, and CPTSD, I’m candid with my children about my mental health management. However, seeing someone their age deal with similar issues on screen is monumental. It diminishes the stigma surrounding mental health, illustrating that it’s a common aspect of life that everyone grapples with to some degree.
So, thank you, Tall Girl 2, for providing this valuable representation. Thank you for fostering open conversations about the mental health challenges faced by tweens and teens, and for entertaining us while contributing to the vital task of destigmatizing mental health discussions. After all, mental health is just as important as physical health—no exceptions.
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Summary:
Tall Girl 2 offers a refreshing and relatable take on mental health issues, making it a perfect film for family viewing. It addresses topics like imposter syndrome and anxiety in a way that resonates with both kids and parents, encouraging open dialogue about these often-challenging subjects. By showcasing real-life emotional struggles, the film helps break down stigma and fosters understanding among viewers.
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