Stars: 3/5
“Sierra Burgess” is just OK.
The Netflix teen romantic comedy “Sierra Burgess Is a Loser” is a modern retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac. In the original play, Cyrano is ashamed of his appearance and writes letters to the woman he loves, pretending to be someone else. In this movie, our protagonist uses texting, FaceTime and social media instead of letters.
Sierra Burgess (Shannon Purser) is the high school loser. Pretty, mean and popular Veronica (Kristine Froseth) decides to give out Sierra’s number to Jamey (Noah Centineo) as a prank. Jamey starts texting Sierra thinking that she’s Veronica. As their relationship progresses via text, Sierra enlists Veronica’s help so that Jamey doesn’t find out the truth.
The movie has its cute moments, but falls flat in trying to cover too much at once. Some of the storylines, like Sierra looking for something spectacular to set her apart on her college applications, are unresolved in the end. In the beginning it seems like this will be one of the major issues in the movie and the framing for everything else that happens, but it completely falls to the side.
We’re supposed to be happy for Sierra that everything works out in the end, but it’s hard to support her in light of her terrible decisions. She betrays the trust of almost everyone she cares about, and the resolution to these issues is too simple and quick to feel like she actually redeemed herself.
She catfishes Jamey, going to ridiculous lengths to make sure he doesn’t find out. In one of the worst instances, Sierra gets Veronica to go on a date with him, and when Jamey is about to kiss Veronica she makes him close his eyes so that he won’t see he’s actually kissing Sierra.
Near the end of the movie, Sierra thinks Veronica is trying to actually steal Jamey from her, so she hacks into Veronica’s Instagram account and posts some embarrassing information for everyone to see. Veronica and Jamey both forgive her, but not a lot of time is spent on showing that Sierra is actually sorry and regrets what she’s done to them.
Veronica and Sierra’s developing friendship is the most interesting and moving part of the whole movie. As the story develops, Sierra learns to understand why her bully is so mean and begins to see a different side to Veronica. Their moments together feel real, and you can tell they begin to genuinely care about each other. Despite her status in their school, Veronica is fine with other people knowing she hangs out with the “loser” now.
Sierra and Jamey’s relationship is basic and boring in comparison. Their first conversation on the phone is awkward, giddy and pure, but the rest of their interactions are pretty forgettable. The movie doesn’t do enough to show they have a deep, meaningful connection.
I really wanted to love “Sierra Burgess Is a Loser.” It has a great cast, and Sierra starts out as a refreshing and relatable star. She is smart, funny and talented. Most importantly, she knows her own strengths. Unfortunately, the movie doesn’t have enough heartbreaking, adorable or funny moments to make it a truly great romantic comedy.