Our Rating: 8/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
| Movie | Girls Like Girls |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 19, 2026 |
| Genre | Romance, Drama, LGBTQ+ |
| Director | Hayley Kiyoko |
| Cast | Maya da Costa, Myra Molloy, Levon Hawke, Zach Braff |
| Language | English |
Girls Like Girls marks Hayley Kiyoko’s feature directorial debut. The film, adapted from her own 2023 novel and 2015 song, opened in theaters on June 19, 2026. It offers a quiet, character-driven story about teenage self-discovery and first love that has already connected with many early viewers.
The story follows 17-year-old Coley as she adjusts to life in a small Oregon town after a personal loss. There she meets Sonya, and their growing bond brings both joy and inner conflict as Coley begins to understand herself better.
The film unfolds gently over one summer, focusing on emotions, family tensions, and the awkward beauty of young romance. Early audience reactions on X, Instagram, and platforms like Letterboxd have been strongly positive, especially among viewers who relate to its themes.
Many have highlighted the natural and believable chemistry between Maya da Costa and Myra Molloy, praising their performances as heartfelt and authentic. Several people shared that they cried during emotional scenes and left the theater still feeling moved, with some calling the film beautiful and expressing a desire for a sequel.
A few viewers noted that the story follows familiar coming-of-age beats and takes its time, which may feel slow or predictable to those expecting bigger twists or faster pacing. Despite these points, the overall sentiment remains warm.
Most appreciate the film’s sincerity, its warm nostalgic summer atmosphere, and the genuine way it handles queer teenage experiences and self-acceptance. This movie will resonate most with fans of thoughtful LGBTQ+ romances and coming-of-age dramas that focus on feelings and character connections rather than high-stakes plots.
Its strengths lie in the tender lead performances, emotional honesty, and the way it captures both the excitement and vulnerability of first love. On the flip side, viewers who prefer more energetic storytelling or broader mainstream entertainment might find it low-key.
It is best experienced in theaters, where the music and quiet emotional moments can land with greater impact and audiences can share the reactions together. If that setting does not appeal, it should still work as a cozy, reflective watch later on streaming.
Final Verdict: Girls Like Girls is a sincere and emotionally resonant directorial debut from Hayley Kiyoko. Led by strong, chemistry-filled performances from Maya da Costa and Myra Molloy, it delivers a touching story of first love, grief, and self-acceptance that has moved many early viewers to tears. While some may find its gentle pace and familiar themes less surprising, its heart and authenticity make it a worthwhile theatrical experience for fans of heartfelt coming-of-age stories.
Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available audience reactions and discussions on X at the time of writing. Individual opinions may vary.