City of Trees: The Quiet Lesbian Romance Finding New Fans Years After Release

Returning home is supposed to be temporary for Ainsley Sadler, but in City of Trees it quickly becomes far more complicated. After seven years away, Ainsley arrives back in the town where she grew up and soon discovers that old memories, familiar faces and unfinished feelings are waiting for her.

Ainsley has built a life in Los Angeles and works in the magazine world, something her family proudly tells almost everyone who will listen. What they do not know is that she has lost her job after publishing her own photography without approval, leaving her questioning almost every decision she has made.

Then Sophie Michaels walks back into her life.

Ainsley and Sophie Slowly Grow Closer

Sophie stayed close to home and now works with trees, gardens and local preservation projects. She also regularly helps Ainsley’s mother protect her plants when freezing temperatures arrive, giving Ainsley and Sophie plenty of reasons to keep crossing paths.

Their first conversations are cautious, but coffee soon leads to discussions about school, relationships and the people they used to be. Sophie reveals that a previous relationship ended after she was cheated on, while Ainsley gradually opens up about the pressure she puts on herself.

Their connection develops without either woman rushing to define it. Sophie asks Ainsley to photograph several old oak trees threatened with being cut down, giving her a reason to pick up a camera again and bringing the two women closer together.

Eventually Sophie stops waiting for Ainsley to work out what she wants and asks her to kiss her. The moment feels natural because the film has spent time building their relationship through smaller conversations, jokes and increasingly intimate moments.

Ainsley still manages to push Sophie away when her insecurities return, questioning whether Sophie spends time with her out of pity. A conversation with her father finally forces Ainsley to recognise how much of her life has been shaped by worrying about how other people see her.

By the time Sophie returns with Christmas decorations and a letter, Ainsley is beginning to understand that coming home does not mean becoming the person she used to be.

LGBTQ+ Representation in City of Trees

At the centre of City of Trees is a romance between two women that is treated as an ordinary part of their lives rather than a dramatic issue that needs explaining. There is no major coming out storyline, with the focus instead placed on attraction, insecurity, relationships and reconnecting with someone from the past.

That quieter approach is a big part of the film’s appeal. Ainsley and Sophie are simply allowed to exist as two women trying to work out what they mean to each other.

Cast, Release and Filming

City of Trees was written and directed by Alexandra Swarens, who also stars as Ainsley Sadler opposite Olivia Buckle as Sophie Michaels. Kate McIntyre plays Lynne Sadler, Joseph Miller appears as Bob Sadler, and Andrew Perkins plays Teddy Fuller.

The film was released in 2019 and runs for around 87 minutes. Filming took place in Claremont, California, with its streets, gardens and outdoor locations helping create the film’s intimate small town atmosphere.

IMDb Rating and Audience Reaction

As of August 2026, City of Trees holds an IMDb rating of 6.2 out of 10. Audience reaction has been mixed, with viewers often praising the chemistry between Alexandra Swarens and Olivia Buckle and the understated way Ainsley and Sophie’s relationship develops.

One criticism that comes up regularly is the film’s very dark visual presentation. Some scenes are poorly lit enough to make them difficult to see depending on the screen being used, while the slow pace and technical limitations of the independent production have also divided viewers.

For those who connect with it, however, the appeal lies in the natural conversations and the simple, believable romance rather than polished production values.

Where Can UK Viewers Watch City of Trees?

UK availability can change, but City of Trees is currently listed as available to rent or buy digitally through Amazon Video. Viewers should make sure they select the 2019 Alexandra Swarens film, as another unrelated title uses the same name.

At around 87 minutes, it is an easy watch for viewers looking for a smaller LGBTQ+ romance. The film has visible technical limitations, particularly its dark lighting, but Ainsley and Sophie’s relationship gives it a warmth that has helped it continue finding viewers years after release.

Keep an eye on SoapLandTV’s TV and Media page for all your TV, film and streaming updates, including more LGBTQ+ films and hidden streaming finds.

Image credits - Violet Wave Productions