First Look: Hayley Kiyoko’s ‘Girls Like Girls’ Poster Teases a Sun-Soaked Queer Coming-of-Age Romance

Hayley Kiyoko is bringing Girls Like Girls to the big screen, and yes, the internet’s favorite queer anthem is officially getting the movie treatment.

The singer, actor, and longtime LGBTQ icon is making her directorial debut with Girls Like Girls, a Focus Features film inspired by her hit 2015 song and the viral music video that helped define a generation of queer storytelling online. The original video, starring Stefanie Scott and Kelsey Asbille, has garnered more than 160 million views on YouTube and captures the messy, tender reality of two teenage girls exploring their feelings for each other.

In the video, Coley and Sonya slowly fall for each other after years of friendship, but fear and a jealous boyfriend threaten to keep them apart.

Now, that story is evolving once again. After becoming a bestselling novel in 2023, Girls Like Girls is heading to theaters this summer as a full-length coming-of-age feature film that explores first love, identity, and the moments that shape who we become.

Actors Maya da Costa (Under the Bridge) and Myra Molloy lead the cast, joined by Levon Hawke and Zach Braff. The film follows Coley, a new girl in town who experiences her first real love during one unforgettable, sun-soaked summer while learning to embrace herself.

Kiyoko directs from a story she developed alongside Chloe Okuno, with a screenplay written by Kiyoko and Stefanie Scott. The project is produced by Marc Platt, Adam Siegel, Michael Philip, Jason Moring, Richard Alan Reid, Katie McNicol, and Dee Best. It will also feature all-new music from Kiyoko, giving fans even more to scream about.

Focus Features will release Girls Like Girls in theaters nationwide on June 19. Girls Like Girls movie poster from Focus Features

For queer audiences who grew up watching that original video on repeat, this moment feels full circle. What started as a music video that quietly changed how many young people saw themselves is now a full-length film about first love, self-acceptance, and finding your place.

Summer plans just got a little more emotional. And a lot more sapphic. Stay tuned for the first trailer dropping Tuesday, February 10.

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