Watch The View From Tall

The View From Tall, released in 2016, is a coming-of-age drama featuring Amanda Drinkall as Justine, a high school guidance counselor who finds herself in a complex relationship with one of her students, a 17-year-old girl named Liz (played by Michael Patrick Thornton). Carolyn Braver rounds out the main cast as Alice, the estranged mother of Justine who begins to reconnect with her daughter while dealing with her own personal struggles.

The film explores themes of identity, intimacy, and the blurred lines between teacher and student. Justine, who is still processing her own trauma from a past sexual experience, finds herself drawn to Liz's vulnerability and strength in the face of her own challenges. Liz, who has a reputation as a "problem child," struggles to maintain her facade while navigating her feelings for Justine.

As their relationship becomes increasingly complicated, Justine is forced to confront the consequences of her actions and the power dynamics at play. Meanwhile, Alice's return to Justine's life forces both of them to confront the past and present demons that have kept them apart.

The View From Tall features nuanced performances from its lead actors, particularly Drinkall and Thornton, who deliver complex and emotive portrayals of their characters. The film's direction by Erica Weiss and Caitlin Parrish is deft and assured, handling the sensitive subject matter with care and sensitivity without shying away from uncomfortable truths.

In addition to its strong performances and direction, The View From Tall benefits from its gorgeous cinematography, which captures the autumnal beauty of its Illinois setting in stunning detail. The film's soundtrack is also notable, featuring a mix of indie and classic rock tracks that add to the film's emotional resonance.

While The View From Tall may not be suitable for all audiences due to its mature themes, those who appreciate thoughtful and complex dramas will find much to admire in this well-crafted film. With its nuanced characters and compelling story, The View From Tall marks a strong debut feature for its directorial team and promises great things to come in their future work.

The View From Tall is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.