Directed by: Julianna Notten
Written by: Julianna Notten
Cast: Elliot Stocking, Jesyca Gu, Rosali Annikie, Dabria Peta-Dragos
Genre: Coming-of-Age / Comedy-Drama / Queer Cinema
Runtime: 90 minutes
💬 Plot Overview
Erin (Elliot Stocking), an openly queer, outspoken eighth-grader, is determined to land her very first kiss with her schoolyard crush, Syd (Rosali Annikie). To navigate the awkward, high-stakes realm of middle-school romance, Erin concocts an elaborate "guide" to winning Syd over. However, her tunnel-visioned quest threatens her closest relationship with her best friend, Liz (Jesyca Gu), who is quietly grappling with her own evolving identity, changing interests, and fear of being left behind. What starts as a lighthearted scheme quickly evolves into a charming, heartfelt lesson on boundaries, growing up, and prioritizing true friendship.
🎨 Style & Direction
Nostalgic & Bright Aesthetic: Expanding on their acclaimed 2018 short film, Julianna Notten frames middle-school life through vibrant colors, playful visual touches, and a warm, nostalgic lens that celebrates youth rather than rushing past it.
Authentic Middle-School Energy: Notten excels at capturing the messy, unpolished reality of early adolescence—from awkward hall encounters to over-the-top schemes—delivering humor without ever condescending to its young characters.
Grounded, Joyful Representation: Moving away from heavy trauma-centric tropes, the film treats queer identity with breezy normalcy, warmth, and genuine heart, making it a vital addition to contemporary LGBTQ+ coming-of-age cinema.
💬 QueerFilmHub Perspective
“Erin's Guide to Kissing Girls is a vibrant, deeply empathetic celebration of queer youth—blending early-2000s nostalgia with an honest, heartwarming look at first crushes and enduring friendships.”
