SIERRA BURGESS IS A LOSER: A Catfish Tale Gone Right

Over the past couple of years, Netflix has become the home for this generation’s Brat Pack. The platform has fostered overnight sensations in the stars of properties such as 13 Reasons Why, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, and Stranger Things. Stranger Things fan favorite Shannon Purser returns to Netflix in a role that places her in the lead. 

Sierra Burgess is a Loser is the latest film on Netflix that explores romance reminiscent of the past, but with a modern edge. Although it draws comparisons to Cyrano de Bergerac, Sierra Burgess is a Loser can better be described as a catfishing tale that works out for good.

Following the controversial release of the show Insatiable, Sierra Burgess is a Loser is a film that provides a message about body positivity and shows that women that don’t fall into the typical beauty standards are worthy of love too. The execution of this message is also a bit clunky, but it’s still a nice film if you’re having trouble finding something to watch on Netflix. Following the release of the film, hopefully audiences will be able to see more leading roles from the charming Shannon Purser. The film is also filled with entertaining supporting roles from RJ Cyler, Loretta Devine, Chrissy Metz, Lea Thompson, and Alan Ruck.

Sierra Burgess is not a loser, but a winner (sometimes)

Sierra Burgess (Shannon Purser) is a model student who lives in the shadow of her brilliant parents. Even though Sierra is brilliant in her own way, she struggles to find her footing. In a society that pressures its youth to be extraordinary, Sierra has trouble finding something that makes her stand out from everyone else. As she prepares for college, Sierra tries to discover what she wants to do with her life that doesn’t involve following her famous father’s (Alan Ruck) footsteps. 

Besides her college application woes, Sierra appears to be carefree and confident. Not concerned with shallow things like many of her peers, Sierra floats through school. The resident mean girl Veronica (Kristine Froseth), however, takes an issue with Sierra. Veronica taunts and insults her at every turn, yet Sierra is rarely bothered by the verbal abuse.

The film brings back dreamboat Noah Centineo as Jamey, in yet another role that his scores of new fans can appreciate. He comes across Veronica in a diner and pines for her attention. Uninterested, Veronica gives Sierra’s number to Jamey. Jamey immediately begins texting the number, and Sierra responds. The two hit it off, and text continuously. Even when Sierra discovers that Jamey is after Veronica’s heart, Sierra seeks to continue the charade further to the point that it borders on manipulative. 

Sierra Burgess is a Loser is a cute film if you don’t put too much thought into it. With today’s technology and social media access, it’s a wonder how Sierra and Veronica were able to succeed in tricking Jamey for so long. Jamey himself is a bit too good to be true. After being duped by not one, but two women you can’t help but feel sorry for him at some points. All three went to the same school, so how did they not run into each other more often? Also, why didn’t Jamey try to approach Veronica during school hours?

Female friendship is more of a driving force in the film

While the film is primarily a rom-com, what really is the heart of the film is the friendship that develops between Sierra and Veronica. At the beginning of the film, Veronica is merely the mean pretty girl in school. She is obsessed with her appearance, and seems to get a kick out of treating people horribly – mainly Sierra. When Sierra decides to tutor Veronica, it’s understandable why she is the way she is. Raised by a tough pageant/dance mom, (a small but magnificent role played by Chrissy Metz), Veronica is constantly pressured into putting her appearance before anything else. 

While Sierra teaches Veronica, they begin to bond. Never encouraged to focus on anything other than her looks and status, Veronica begins to take an interest in learning. Over time, she doesn’t see Sierra as a “loser” anymore, but someone worth hanging out with. Much to the distaste of her shallow friends, Veronica is quickly outcast for associating with Sierra. In all actuality, the relationship between Veronica and Sierra is more fleshed out than the relationship with Jamey. The friendship between the two proves to be transformative for Veronica, who decides to study philosophy and take a break from social media. That is more beautiful than a romantic relationship that started over a text.

Netflix is king of the rom-com, but it’s had better to offer

While Sierra Burgess is a Loser isn’t amazing, it’s worth a watch if you’re into something simple that has a happy ending. It’s also great to watch on a binge with some with some of Netflix’s other popular fare geared towards teens. The film has been a bit polarizing to reviewers and audiences alike, but it’s always wise to make the call yourself.

How did you feel about the film and how it compares to the other Netflix romcoms?

Beginning September 7th, Sierra Burgess is a Loser is now available on Netflix in the US. For more release information, you can view the IMDB page.