By Jessica Nguyen, Staff Writer
Netflix’s latest rom-com “Sierra Burgess is a Loser” made its debut as a modern adaptation of Edmond Rostand’s 1897 play, “Cyrano de Bergerac.” There have been a mixture of positive and negative reviews; critics praising the message of the movie but condemning the way it was presented. I believe that it is a good movie, however, portrayed in a bad way.
The movie features smart outcast, Sierra Burgess, who texts quarterback star known only as Jamey,who believes he is texting someone else. This leads her to enlist the assistance of Veronica, a popular cheerleader, in a mutual deal to help each other win over their crushes.
While not being overly cheesy or cliché, the romance between Sierra and Jamey is still able to stir up the familiar ache of butterflies in your stomach and warmth of young love. In addition, Sierra’s and Veronica’s blooming friendship, even though they are on complete opposite sides of the social/popularity spectrum, is an essential relationship in the movie; it reveals the meaning of true friends who help each other. Being a rom-com, “Sierra Burgess is a Loser” also has a strong comedic aspect. The characters are always making subtle jabs at each other and many references to other movies.
The plot of the movie produces a touching story that engrosses the watcher to feeling a number of emotions from giggling to wiping their eyes with several twists but ending in a content resolution. Reviewers relate to the characters including when Sierra worries about whether Jamey would actually like her or judge her weight and appearance.
The theme of body-positivity has also earned a lot of love from fans. The audience is finally being able to see a relatable character who doesn’t embody and fit the mold of today’s perfect standards on their screen but is still being comfortable and confident in her intellect and self. While being made fun of by other students, Sierra refuses to let their comments get to her and always stands up for herself. The movie has a deeper message of seeing someone for who they are rather than what appear to be.
“Do you have any idea what it’s like to be a teenage girl and to look like this?” says Burgess.
The cast of the movie are perfect for their roles. Shannon Purser who plays Ethel from the T.V. show “Riverdale” and Barb from “Stranger Things”, finally lands a main role, exhibiting her ability to bring a quirky charm to Sierra Burgess. On the other hand, breakout star from “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”, Noah Centineo, flawlessly portrays an adorable, yet awkward boy. Watching Purser and Centineo together almost makes you wish they were together on and off scene.
Watching the characters’ development, especially Veronica’s, was definitely one of the best parts of the movie. Being introduced as a mean cheerleader to learning about her sympathetic and compelling backstory gives an insight into the lives of people who may seem more perfect than they are. The general essence of the characters makes you want to rewatch the movie to experience them all over again.
Beyond the characters and plot of the film, listening to the soundtrack adds another enjoyable aspect to the movie. Purser is able to display her alluring and smooth voice as she sings “Sunflower”, a heartbreaking and honest song about feeling like sunflower rather than a rose; it truly highlighted Purser’s emotions and vocals.
However, not everyone thinks this movie deserves a winning title with Rotten Tomato giving a review of 65%. Critics have deemed the story line as creepy with Sierra seen as a sociopath for catfishing Jamey, setting him up and kissing him when he thought she was someone else; describing this as sexual assault. Moreover, Sierra has further been bashed for her manipulative behavior, which comes in play when she sabotages, neglects and lies constantly to her friends and family. Reviewers also say that the plot is unrealistic and rushed with Jamey liking someone who catfished him and everyone forgiving Sierra for her mistakes. Many feel as though there is no chemistry between the characters with Sierra and Jamey mainly interacting over text or calls. “Sierra Burgess is a Loser” seems to demonstrate a bad example for its teen audience and falls short with its potential but ignorance over so many things.
Regardless, “Sierra Burgess is a Loser” is an exceptional movie that still manages to shine a light on an engaging story of love, friendship and body-positivity and acceptance. Like many other rom-coms and movies, it has some flaws, but the overall message is one that I love and the movie was enjoyable and easy to watch.
