The coming-of-age story "Girls Like Girls," which originated as a 2015 hit song by pop artist Hayley Kiyoko, has now been adapted into a feature film marking her directorial debut. The film, co-written by Kiyoko alongside Chloe Okuno and Stefanie Scott—who also starred in the original viral music video—builds on the song’s LGBTQ+ themes to explore youthful romance and self-discovery.
Set in rural Oregon during 2006, the narrative follows Coley, a reserved newcomer played by Maya da Costa, as she navigates her first days in a small town. Coley quickly encounters a lively group of local teens at a diner and is invited by the outgoing Sonya, portrayed by Myra Molloy, to join a lakeside gathering. Their growing connection unfolds in moments that combine lightheartedness with poignant emotional depth, including stolen drinks, shared confidences, and the exploration of personal grief—particularly Coley’s struggle with the loss of her mother and her distant relationship with her widowed father, played by Zach Braff.
The film’s cinematography by Sonja Tsypin captures the innocence and curiosity of emerging attraction, focusing on intimate details such as a scene where Coley, newly trusted, explores Sonya’s bedroom with a mix of wonder and nervous excitement. A key moment arises after Coley and Sonya’s feelings turn physical; rather than moving quickly toward reconciliation, the film remains grounded in Coley’s perspective, emphasizing her internal conflict and the challenges of self-acceptance.
Da Costa’s naturalistic performance anchors the film’s emotional core, while Molloy provides a more polished depiction of the confident Sonya. Together, they present a portrayal of first love marked by both tenderness and complexity. Rather than embracing a simplified happy ending, the film prioritizes a realistic look at adolescent vulnerability and the intricate process of embracing one’s identity.
"Girls Like Girls" offers a nostalgic glimpse into a pre-smartphone era, using details like AOL screen names to set the tone and underscore the universality of teenage experience. Although the story aligns with familiar themes within queer romance, Kiyoko’s direction and the film’s warm portrayal of youthful connection provide a heartfelt and personal exploration of early love and self-discovery.