⭐⭐⭐

95 minutes ‧ R ‧ 2026
Cast: Maya da Costa, Myra Molloy, Zach Braff
Director: Hayley Kiyoko
Genres: Drama, Queer

Watching Girls Like Girls and seeing the main character’s first taste of love brought back a flood of memories. I remembered what it was like to fall in love for the first time. Understanding her journey made the movie particularly meaningful to me.

Hayley Kiyoko’s first time directing reveals a sincere vulnerability that feels natural and unforced. The story centers on Coley, played by newcomer Maya da Costa, who faces more than the challenge of relocating to a new town. She is burdened by grief and haunted by a recent loss that shapes her every move. Her world shifts when she meets Sonya, portrayed by Myra Molloy.

What unfolds is a first love that feels genuine — awkward, thrilling, and complicated, all at once. Coley isn’t just falling for someone; she’s also on a journey to accept herself. The film captures this against the backdrop of a sun-drenched summer, where days seem to blend together and every small moment feels monumental. Kiyoko doesn’t rush the romance; instead, she allows it to breathe, observing these two girls as they circle each other, test the waters, and gradually lower their guards. The tension feels authentic because the film values its quiet, tender moments just as much as its more intense scenes.

Maya da Costa carries the film. As Coley, she masterfully balances grief and longing without veering into melodrama, allowing viewers to feel her hesitation, hope, and fear simultaneously. It’s an impressive performance for someone so early in her career. Opposite her, Myra Molloy brings a guarded confidence to Sonya, and the chemistry between them makes everything feel real. The supporting cast adds richness to the story, with Levon Hawke playing Trenton and Zach Braff stepping in as Curtis.

What makes Girls Like Girls especially meaningful is the time and care that went into its creation. It didn’t start as a movie; it began in 2015 as Hayley Kiyoko’s hit single. From that song, it grew into a 2023 best-selling novel, expanding the story and characters. And more than a decade later, it became a motion picture, co-written by Kiyoko herself alongside Stefanie Scott. You can feel that history in every frame. This isn’t a quick adaptation chasing a trend; it’s a labor of love.

Copyright ©️2026 by Frank Gaimari