Singer and director Hayley Kiyoko has brought her 2015 hit song "Girls Like Girls" to the big screen in a coming-of-age film that explores themes of grief, self-discovery, and queer romance. The movie stars Maya da Costa as Coley, a 17-year-old girl navigating the challenges of loss and identity after moving from San Diego to a semirural town in Oregon following her mother’s death.

Coley’s relocation to live with her estranged father, played by Zach Braff, sets the stage for a story centered on her emotional struggles. Braff’s character, Curtis, is portrayed as a well-meaning but somewhat distant parent trying to connect with his grieving daughter. The film examines Coley’s internal conflict as she grapples with her feelings toward Sonya, a charismatic figure portrayed by Myra Molloy, who serves as the magnetic core of a lively adolescent friend group.

The dynamics within the group add complexity to Coley’s journey. Sonya’s on-again-off-again boyfriend Trenton, played by Levon Hawke, embodies possessiveness and rivalry, while another male character, Alex (Alozie Larose), offers a more thoughtful perspective. The story depicts Coley’s tentative steps toward self-acceptance amid these varying influences, highlighting the tension between desire, doubt, and the desire for belonging.

Adapted from Kiyoko’s bestselling young adult novel—which itself was based on the 2015 viral music video—the film shifts some of the energy found in the song’s original format toward a more introspective narrative. It pays particular attention to Coley’s layered grief and the weight of unresolved family issues, exemplified by scenes involving boxes labeled "Mom’s Stuff" that symbolize the lingering presence of her late mother.

The production, co-written by Kiyoko and Stefanie Scott (who appeared in the music video), benefits from a predominantly female crew behind the scenes. Costume designer Kelli Dunsmore and production designer Lindsey Moran contribute to the authentic portrayal of the characters' world, using wardrobe and settings to reflect the nuances of class and adolescent culture.

Throughout the film, Coley and Sonya navigate misunderstandings, secrets, and the emergence of new feelings, following the familiar beats of young romance while addressing underexplored emotional terrain. The work aims to create an inclusive space for queer storytelling, reflecting Kiyoko’s commitment to authentic representation. The narrative ultimately offers a blend of vulnerability and hope, leaving open the possibility of a hopeful resolution.