Sierra Burgess is a Loser

In this Netflix original romantic comedy, the Lantern staff reviews the quality of film.

Sometimes, being in high school is tough. Most students have to balance grades, a social life, and how they should look or act to fit in. Usually, the awkward phase comes around the teenage years, just like it did for the girl main character in the new Netflix original film, Sierra Burgess is a Loser. This movie is one of those movies where someone could sit down on a rainy day, grab their favorite snack, and think about how sappy rom coms are. Sierra Burgess is a Loser is an early 2000s themed romantic comedy starring two rough around the edges teen students that go to different high schools.

Teenager, Sierra Burgess (Shannon Purser), is both fiercely proud of her intellect and at times, ashamed of her looks. But, with the help of her parents, she tries to accept herself for who she is. For example, at the beginning of the movie, she stares into the mirror and says, “You are a magnificent beast!” Sierra definitely seems comfortable in her skin and stands up for who she is. She soon falls in love with Jamey (Noah Centineo) who plays football at a different high school. Throughout most of the movie, Jamey thinks he is texting the cheerleader Veronica (Kristine Froseth), but he is actually texting Sierra. Although Sierra and Veronica are from two different worlds, along the road they become good friends due to the pact they made together.

They went against status quo by having Jamie and Sierra end up together

— Lily Park

Although this movie has a sweet love story, some people weren’t a fan of this romantic comedy. For others, it was just minor details. Aizlynn Thim stated “I think the movie would have been a little better if it included more with the English teacher and Sierra. I feel like I would have liked the English teacher, but she was so minor that I wasn’t really able to have a justified opinion about her.” For many, they were devastated because Jamey and Sierra should have shared more screen time together since it is a romance story between those two. However, there were others who fell in love with the idea of the high school romance. For example, high schooler, Lily Park informed,I really liked the movie and thought it was cool how they went against status quo by having Jamie and Sierra end up together.  

This inspiring movie has a special saying and a very touching song at the end of the movie. This song was even written by Sierra Burgess is a Loser screenwriter, Lindsey Beer and sung by Shannon Purser, Sierra Burgess, and it ended up being named ‘Sunflower.’ This was because in their first phone call, Sierra asks Jamey what flower she’d be and he says a rose: “The queen flowers all the other flowers are jealous of.” Then she remembers that Jamey still thinks she is Veronica. Finally, Sierra realizes she messed up and pours out her heart and feelings into this touching song.

Overall, some people may have some differing opinions about this movie, but it has a very meaningful message with a song many keep on repeat. After watching To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, I just knew I had to make time to sit down and enjoy this cute rom com. Just make sure to not pretend to act deaf when a boy comes up to talk to you in the hallway.