GIRLS LIKE GIRLS Is For The Yearners
Written by Daphne Bryant with notes from Kate Hinchliffe
To an entire generation of sapphics, no music video was as culturally significant as Hayley Kiyoko’s“ Girls Like Girls.” Released in 2015, the project tells a story of two best friends navigating secret feelings and jealousy in a small town. Its triumphant ending was an intentional choice, juxtaposing queer stories that perpetrate the“ bury your gays” trope or are just flat-out unromantic. At a time when complex lesbian narratives were nearly nonexistent in mainstream media,“ Girls Like Girls” hit differently. The friends-to-lovers music video now has over 163 million views on YouTube, its global virality the result of an untapped market finally feeling seen.
Years later, and just in time for the summer, Girls Like Girls is getting its very own movie. Adapted from Kiyoko’s 2023 book, titled after the song, and co-written with the original MV star Stefanie Scott, the upcoming film expands perfectly upon all initial iterations. A few weeks ago DWG stylist Kate and I had the great pleasure of attending an early screening of Girls Like Girls, which stars Maya da Costa as Coley and Myra Molloy as Sonya.
While the entire film is a treat, we need to start by talking about the colors. It’s the first thing we noticed: pinks, blues, purples, oranges––the most gorgeous sunset hues came to life on screen, and they are striking and perfectly capture that summertime feeling. Another highlight? Girls Like Girls is set in 2006, and seeing as we’re certified nostalgia buffs, I’m sure you can imagine just how elated Kate and I were by the analog props, stellar wardrobe and sentimental music choices. Throwback to messaging your crush on chunky ass computers, and shoutout Imogen Heap!
Beyond excellent set dressing and cinematic choices, it’s worth noting that the main characters, Coley and Sonya, have great chemistry together, so much so that we found ourselves blushing on multiple occasions. The build up of their friendship into a romantic connection feels organic and sweet, but not without complication. If you’re in the mood for some good old-fashioned drama, don’t worry: this film will rip your heart out and chew it up and then put it back together again. Girls Like Girls knows how to keep you guessing, how to get you hooked, and how to make you fall head over heels.
While we were definitely rooting for Coley to find love, we were also rooting for her to find herself. After the recent loss of her mother, Coley was forced to relocate and confront an estranged relationship with her father. She spends most of the film hating him, and herself, and it isn’t until a big blow out with Sonya that Coley is able to reckon with validation and pour into her own happiness and platonic connections. Viewers watch Coley get a job and befriend her coworkers, practice self-care and go on solo adventures, as well as spend more time with her father (henceforth breaking generational curses). In the end, Coley grows to love who she is, and fights back against Sonya’s toxic ideals before gently guiding her on a journey of self-acceptance. P.S.: Don’t miss the post-credit scene!
Girls Like Girls had us yearning for a summer filled with music and swimming in the lake. It made us want to wear denim shorts, camis, and flip flops everyday. It made us fantasize about stealing alcohol and falling in love. Both having spent our childhood summers closeted and in suburbia, Girls Like Girls was the representation we wish we had growing up.
Atmospherically rich, achingly human: this coming of age film is not just about queer yearning or meeting your soulmate. At its core, Girls Like Girls is about self-discovery and pursuing the ultimate joy: freedom. This is a story filled with heart and passion, and we believe it will impress long-time fans and new viewers alike.
“Atmospherically rich, achingly human: this coming of age film is not just about queer yearning or meeting your soulmate. At its core, GIRLS LIKE GIRLS is about self-discovery and pursuing the ultimate joy: freedom.”
