Hayley kiyoko’s ‘girls like girls’ delivers a long-awaited queer love story
For years, the landscape of queer cinema has been frustratingly dominated by straight narratives, leaving a significant void for stories authentically reflecting the experiences of women of color. Hayley Kiyoko’s directorial debut, Girls Like Girls, finally fills that gap with a vibrant, emotionally resonant film that’s already generating significant buzz.
A slow-burn romance, finally seen
Based on Kiyoko’s own hit single and YA novel, the film centers on Coley, a shy high school student grappling with grief after her mother’s death. Seeking a fresh start, she relocates to a small Oregon town and unexpectedly falls for Sonya, the charismatic dance team captain – a connection that unfolds with a captivating, deliberate pace, mirroring the film’s stunning visuals of the rural Oregon landscape.
Girls Like Girls isn’t just about a romance; it’s about representation, about finally seeing yourself reflected on screen. Kiyoko herself spoke about the film’s significance, noting the decade-long journey to bring this story to life, a journey fueled by the lack of visible queer characters, particularly women of color, in mainstream cinema.
Behind the lens: a personal triumph
“It felt like I was finally coming home,” Kiyoko shared with Vogue. “I’ve been a director my whole life, just storytelling and world-building. But getting this opportunity, and seeing it on a big screen, is a dream realized.” The film's production faced significant hurdles, including the rarity of representation for women of color in directing roles – a field where only 5% of directors are women of color. The challenge was monumental, but Kiyoko’s dedication and the film’s powerful message ultimately prevailed.
The chemistry between Maya Da Costa as Sonya and Myra Molloy as Coley is palpable, a testament to the actors’ talent and the carefully crafted script. Casting was a grueling process, involving over 4,000 auditions, a clear indication of the film’s ambition and the importance of finding the right performers to embody these complex characters. Kiyoko described the chemistry read as