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Family movie night is a cherished ritual in our home. As my children have grown, our Friday selections have expanded beyond the usual animated fare. This past weekend, we decided on Tall Girl 2, the recently released sequel on Netflix. To my surprise, the film sparked meaningful conversations about mental health, making it a perfect choice for parents wanting to discuss these topics with their kids.
In this follow-up to the 2019 hit, we find Jodi, portrayed by Ava Michelle, navigating a new chapter of her high school life. She’s more confident, popular, and yet, completely unprepared for the challenges that await her. What I appreciated most about Tall Girl 2 is that viewers don’t need to have seen the first film to enjoy it. However, the standout feature for me is how it integrates discussions about mental health, imposter syndrome, and anxiety seamlessly into the storyline. This approach offers relatable, real-life scenarios that help normalize these critical conversations with our children.
Creating Space for Essential Mental Health Dialogues
Throughout the film, Jodi struggles with a negative internal monologue that constantly undermines her self-worth and amplifies feelings of fraudulence. I found myself connecting with this struggle, often referred to as imposter syndrome, recalling my own experiences during my teenage years when similar thoughts impacted my self-esteem.
To my surprise, my kids chimed in, “Mom, do you ever feel like that? Because I do too sometimes!” Given that we have open discussions about mental health at home, I could not have asked for a better trigger for this important conversation. The film also depicts a genuine anxiety attack, showcasing the panic, hyperventilation, and overwhelming sense of dread that can accompany such episodes. For my tweens to witness a character their age tackling these challenges in a relatable way was invaluable.
Experiencing a panic attack can be utterly frightening, especially when one is unaware of what’s happening. Seeing it represented in a film might help our children feel less alone and more equipped to manage their emotions. Additionally, it highlights the importance of being supportive friends to those who are experiencing mental health struggles.
Breaking the Stigma Through Authentic Representation
Often, movies and literature gloss over the complex emotions and difficult situations that arise from untreated mental health issues. As someone managing depression, anxiety, and PTSD, I openly share my strategies for mental wellness with my kids. However, having them relate to a character outside of me and see their feelings represented on screen is a huge step forward. It diminishes any shame associated with not having a perfect life, a narrative commonly presented on social media.
So, here’s a heartfelt thank you to Tall Girl 2. Thank you for providing representation. Thank you for facilitating open dialogues about tween and teenage mental health. Most importantly, thank you for entertaining us while simultaneously helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Because, at the end of the day, mental health is health—no exceptions.
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