Hayley Kiyoko's 'Girls Like Girls' is a captivating exploration of first love, capturing the giddy thrills and crushing devastations that come with it. While the premise may not be entirely groundbreaking, the film's strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of revelation, despite its familiarity. The story centers around Coley, a shy and sad-eyed teenager who moves in with her dad, and her encounter with Sonya, an effervescent girly girl. The chemistry between the two leads, Maya da Costa and Myra Molloy, is electric, and their on-screen connection is more than enough to make up for the film's sparse details about their lives outside of each other.
What makes 'Girls Like Girls' truly special is its portrayal of the headiness of young love. The film excels at capturing the gravitational pull of a crush's proximity and the oppressive weight of rejection. Da Costa's performance as Coley is a standout, conveying volumes through her gaze and physical presence. The camera work, by DP Sonja Tyspin, further enhances the intimate atmosphere, lingering on every lock of Sonya's hair and flutter of her fingers.
As the relationship between Coley and Sonya evolves, the film delves into the complexities of first love. Molloy's performance as Sonya grows more layered and complex, reflecting the hesitancy and innocence that come with a first real crush. The script, credited to Kiyoko, Chloe Okuno, and Stefanie Scott, refrains from throwing harrowing external obstacles into their path, instead focusing on the internal struggles of the characters.
One of the film's strengths is its ability to capture the raw heartbreak that comes with unrequited love. Coley's subsequent heartbreak is amplified by an unrelated sorrow, as she grapples with the death of her mother and the estrangement from her father. While the familial bond between Coley and her dad is not fully fleshed out, it serves as a poignant backdrop to Coley's romantic drama.
In conclusion, 'Girls Like Girls' is a beautiful and tender portrayal of first love, capturing the pure emotion and raw heartbreak that come with it. The film's strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of revelation, despite its familiarity, and its portrayal of the complexities of young love. It is a gem that feels all the more special for appearing, at first, so ordinary.
