Is it as sad as the synopsis makes it sound?

It’s heavy, but not hopeless. The grief is a major thread, but the movie is ultimately about learning to embrace emotions and find connection, so it's more of an 'emotional workout' than a total downer.

Do I need to have seen the music video to understand the movie?

Not at all. The movie stands completely on its own. Fans of the song will catch some Easter eggs, but the plot is fully fleshed out for newcomers.

How explicit is the 'intimacy' mentioned?

It’s consistent with a mature YA drama (think Euphoria-lite or Normal People). It’s more about the emotional weight and the intensity of the connection than being gratuitous, but it’s definitely R-rated territory.

Is there a happy ending?

Without spoiling it, the movie aims for realism over a fairytale finish. It’s an 'ending for now' that feels earned and hopeful, rather than a perfect 'happily ever after.'

Girls Like Girls – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Girls Like Girls

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2026

82%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Hayley Kiyoko’s viral anthem grows up into a raw, Oregon-set drama that handles teen intimacy and grief without the usual Hollywood gloss.

86%

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Girls Like Girls

movie

R, 2026

82%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Hayley Kiyoko’s viral anthem grows up into a raw, Oregon-set drama that handles teen intimacy and grief without the usual Hollywood gloss.

86%

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86%

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Screenwise Verdict

If your teen is a fan of Hayley Kiyoko (aka 'Lesbian Jesus'), this movie has likely been on their radar since the book dropped in 2023. It’s a rare bird: a queer coming-of-age story that feels both specific to its rural setting and universal in its portrayal of that terrifying first 'do they like me back?' moment.

Don't expect a light, bubbly rom-com. It’s a capital-D Drama that isn't afraid to let its characters be sad, confused, and occasionally unlikeable. For parents, it’s a high-quality bridge for talking about identity and grief, provided you’re comfortable with the mature rating.

Age Fit

This is for older teens (16+) and adults. While the source material has a younger fanbase, the film leans into mature themes and intimacy that match its 17+ rating. It’s a great pick for high schoolers ready for a serious drama, but it's definitely not for the middle school set.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It models deep emotional honesty and the messy process of navigating grief, though the 'intimacy' focus puts it firmly in the mature teen category rather than family-friendly territory.

Imaginative

A grounded, realistic coming-of-age story. It doesn't reinvent the wheel visually, but it captures the specific, moody atmosphere of rural Oregon better than most.

Safe

The Common Sense 17+ rating is a loud signal. Expect frank depictions of teen intimacy and heavy emotional weight surrounding the death of a parent.

Enriching

Excellent for identity exploration and understanding the intersection of romantic awakening and personal loss. It avoids the 'tragic' trope often found in older queer cinema.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Authentic representation that feels lived-in rather than checked-off, specifically focusing on the 'uncertainty' of figuring out your orientation in real-time.
Atmospheric setting in rural Oregon provides a moody, beautiful backdrop that mirrors the characters' internal shifts.
Nuanced grief work shows how losing a parent complicates everything else in a teenager's life, including their ability to be vulnerable with someone new.
Strong lead performances elevate the material from a standard YA romance to something that feels much more cinematic and grounded.

⚠

What to Watch For

The Common Sense 17 rating is serious; this isn't a sanitized Disney-style romance. It deals with physical intimacy and the emotional fallout of sexual discovery.
Coley's grief over her mother is a heavy, recurring theme that might be a tough watch for kids who have recently experienced a similar loss.
Expect some teenage risk-taking and the kind of self-doubt that leads to characters making frustrating, albeit realistic, choices.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Sonya was so hesitant to label what she was feeling?"
"How did Coley's grief over her mom change the way she looked at her new relationship?"
"Does the rural setting make the story feel more isolated or more intimate to you?"
"What did the movie get right about the 'messiness' of first love?"

Deep Dive

From Viral Song to Big Screen

It’s rare to see a piece of media have this kind of legs. What started as a 2015 music video became a best-selling novel in 2023, and now, in 2026, we have the definitive film version. The long development cycle has actually helped; the story feels more mature and less like a trend-chasing YA adaptation.

The Oregon Vibe

One of the film’s strongest assets is its refusal to be 'glossy.' Rural Oregon isn't just a backdrop; it’s a character. The isolation of the setting heightens the stakes for Coley and Sonya. When you’re 17 and you think you’re the only person feeling a certain way, a small town can feel like a pressure cooker.

Handling the 'Intimacy' Factor

Parents should be aware that the film doesn't shy away from the physical side of teen relationships. It’s handled with a lot of care—focusing more on the emotional vulnerability than just the act—but it earns its mature rating. If you’re looking for something more PG-rated in this genre, you might want to point your teen toward Heartstopper instead. But for those ready for something grittier, Girls Like Girls delivers a much more realistic look at the friction of growing up.

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