Sierra Burgess (Shannon Purser) wants to go to Stanford. The would-be legacy daughter of a famous author (Succession star Alan Ruck) thinks she’s a shoe-in. With an almost perfect SAT score, straight A’s, and participation in all of the normal “nerdy” extra-curricular activities, it would seem she’s correct – until a visit to her high school guidance counselor (Mary Pat Gleason) throws her off her game posing the question, “what are you – other than a legacy student? What’s your sell? Sierra Burgess is…” In the world of high school, Sierra Burgess is a loser – picked on for all the typical reasons but possessing an unflinching ability to resist bullying from a trio of mean girls (Kristine Froseth, Giorgia Whigham and Alice Lee). Having seen shades of this story before in television and cinema, as the audience we know Sierra is anything but a loser.
With determination to bolster her high school resume, Sierra’s life takes a turn when at a diner over an actual plate of lettuce, Veronica (Froseth) – head cheerleader, school bully, and object of everyone’s affection is approached by the handsome and charming school quarterback, Jamey (new heartthrob we stan for, Noah Centineo). But despite his boyish good looks, charisma, and overall nice guy demeanor, Veronica only has eyes for college boy Spence who will obviously be a disappointing asshole. In delicious rom-com fashion, Veronica decides to give Jamey the number of loser Sierra instead of her own, leaving Sierra to take on the biggest challenge she’s had thus far – talking to a hot guy – under the pretenses she’s someone else.
Giorgia Whigham, Kristine Froseth and Alice Lee in Sierra Burgess is a Loser
After we spend time with this character and her best guy friend Dan (RJ Cyler), it comes as no surprise she’s down for the task. But as their texting relationship progresses and Jayme begins to send selfies, Sierra will need reinforcements from the girl Jamye thinks she is – her bully, Veronica. In a ballsy move, Sierra approaches Veronica and confronts her over using her phone number to give to random guys before convincing her they each have what the other needs. As Sierra teams up with Veronica to make her seem smarter and win the affections of Spence while learning via a budding friendship that she’s actually pretty awesome, Veronica’s ultra-cool exterior is diminished and with all villains, the true reason as to why she’s the high school bitch is revealed.
Shannon Purser and Kristine Froseth in Sierra Burgess is a Loser
Here’s what I love about Sierra Burgess is a Loser and why to me, it’s not just another teen movie – Purser’s Sierra is strong, self-aware, and completely in control. Taught self-respect by her over supportive mother (Lea Thompson) and father who provide her with cringe-worthy daily acronyms for purposes of motivation, their well-meaning love takes her far – but not without consequence. Sierra is, after all, a teenager trying to please them while feeling the pressures of not looking like her newfound counterpart. She participates in band and debate team. She excels in academics. And in a refreshing twist, she doesn’t need anyone to save her. In fact, our fair heroine starts off the film being bullied in her English class and tells her teacher (who barks back at two mean spirited comments), “thank you, but I don’t need you to fight my battles for me.” It’s not a film fueled by revenge – it’s about coming-of-age in a world where social media is king and young girls are being bombarded with pretty pictures of who they think they should be as well as the notion that smart isn’t sexy.
This film has heart. A great soundtrack. And Shannon Purser in another vintage VW (I see you, Netflix). Watch it.
Stream Sierra Burgers is a Loser on Netflix starting today.
MARISSA MONTICOLO 