CASE #045 | Sierra Burgess is a Loser

Because Peter Kavinsky is never enough, Netflix gives us more of Noah Centineo’s dashing good looks in their newest teen flick.

Newest teen rom-com from Netflix. Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_Burgess_Is_a_Loser

Sierra Burgess is a Loser was released this September by Netflix to add up to their growing roster of romantic comedies. It is a story about Sierra, a high school girl who does not adhere to the standard definition of pretty. One night, she received a text message from an anonymous number. Curious to know who the sender was, Sierra replied to the text and found out that the message was sent by a handsome jock named Jamey. Jamey thinks she was Veronica, the pretty and popular cheerleader in Sierra’s school. Veronica purposely gave out Sierra’s number to Jamey instead of hers to embarrass Sierra.

Veronica gives out Sierra's number. Image Source: Netflix

Jamey asks for Veronica's number. Image Source: Netflix

Sierra finds herself replying to Jamey’s messages pretending to be Veronica. The two started getting closer and developing feelings for each other. When Jamey asked for a video call and a date, Sierra was forced to work with Veronica, her least favorite person in the world, to keep up with her lie. Their sudden connivance opened doors for an unexpected friendship which was put into test when Jamey discovers the truth.

Sierra receives a text from Jamey. Image Source: Netflix

Following the phenomenal success of Netflix’s August release, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (check out my review here), let’s see how this movie will appeal to hopeless romantics all over the world.


Here are my 10 thoughts about the movie. Spoilers alert!

1. Kavinsky vs. Jamey

I admit. The main reason I watched this film is because of  Noah Centineo. I still could not get over Peter Kavinsky, his character in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.

Hindi maka-move on kay Peter Kavinsky. Image Source: https://www.buzzfeed.com/

Luckily, I did not get disappointed as the movie brings back those lazy brown eyes that really works their charm no matter who the female lead was. The contagious smile that endears us all to Noah. And of course, those abs!

Kapag ganito ba naman ang nag-message sa iyo, hindi ka ba magre-reply? Image Source: Netflix

Noah fits the role of Jamey like a hand to a glove. Jamey is the quarterback of the football team from another school who has a big crush on Veronica, the rival school’s hottest cheerleader. Beneath the jock image, Jamey is very smart and funny.

Peter Kavinsky or Jamey? Take your pick. Image Source: http://www.clevver.com

Compared to Peter Kavinsky, Jamey's character is more modest. Si Peter kasi GGSS (Gwapung Gwapo Sa Sarili). Well, gwapo naman kasi talaga siya. But Jamey does not deal too much with this "feeling gwapo" attitude. He leans more towards his geeky side which he tries to hide under the jock attitude.

Another thing is Peter Kavinsky is more endearing. In To All the Boys I've Loved Before, you will see how Peter's character develops from being a complete dick (sabi nga Josh) to a total softy inside especially during his moments with Lara Jean.

Nede-develop ang feelings. Image source: https://www.thisisinsider.com

I think this is the reason why the chemistry of Jamey and Sierra did not feel so on point. It takes a long time before their chemistry sets in unlike between Peter and Lara Jean's. With Peter and Lara Jean, their moment started when Lara Jean almost ran over Peter in their school parking lot. Sparks instantly ignited. As for Sierra and Jamey, the sparks came halfway through the movie.

May spark na agad. Image Source: https://www.sweetyhigh.com

2. Sierra Burgess

Shannon Purser (from Stranger Things and Riverdale) plays the role of Sierra Burgess, a high school senior who is deemed by everyone to be unpretty. Veronica brands her as a loser because of how she looks. She is towering and bulky at the same time. She has always been laughed at and bullied but she has this spunk that projects an "Who cares?" attitude. She is very smart and talented which makes her self-esteem intact. Well, when she met Jamey and fell for him.

Shannon Purser plays Sierra Burgess. Image Source: http://www.clevver.com

Shannon is a good actress. She was able to deliver the emotions expected of her during the moments. Its just that I can see a little awkwardness between her and Noah. They kinda do not easily blend together on screen. Or may I was just to much into Noah and Lana's chemistry in To All the Boys I've Loved Before and was expecting that same level of chemistry for both Shannon and Noah.

Veronica and Sierra have their own chemistry. Image Source: Netflix

The strong chemistry was felt more for Sierra and Veronica's characters. This was probably because Sierra and Jamey's interaction were not given enough screen time. I guess that is the downside of the texting set up. Face to face interactions are so limited that it becomes a challenge to make those sparks fly. If only the film gave depth and substance to their text message and phone conversations, this could have enhance the romance part.

Well, there a few moments that Jamey opened up himself to Sierra but those were not just enough to create the connection. I think maybe because Sierra was trying so hard to sound like Veronica which hindered her from sharing more about herself. If only the texting part showed more of both of them.

3. Text Message

I find it difficult to grasp the whole texting set up. In the world of messenger apps, I cannot believe that the whole catfishing things could stand for long. This could work if the movie was set back in the late 90's or early 2000's when camera phones and social media was not yet that hyped. But based on the model of the smart phones they are using, the movie’s timeline appears to be in our current times.


I really do not think this premise would work specially here in the Philippines where there are a lot of social media forensics that can easily pick up every bit of information even from ancient posts. Creative license is not enough to keep this whole catfishing thing going.

Image Source: Twitter (@netflix)

It also did not help that the text messages were not clearly seen on screen. There should have been captions or subtitles to support the scenes to make the texts readable on screen in between those quick transition shots. And again, the conversations were a bit too flirty and senseless. All they did were exchanged pictures of animals. If I were Sierra, I would probably think Jamey is some pervert sending shirtless selfies and kissing animals.

Giraffe ka ba? Bakit? Eh, kasi ang giraffe mong mawala sa puso ko. Image Source: Netflix 

4. Old school movie feel

The movie starts with the opening credits in black background just like in the 80’s. I find this quite too long and too slow. They could have super-imposed the credits to the shower scene montage of Sierra that came right after the opening credits.

Old school opening credits. Image Source: Netflix

I get it. They are trying to get the 80’s vibe for this movie which is quite evident in the cinematography and motif of the whole movie. But I really find it quite a waste of minutes for the credits to just roll in the black like that. They could have used those extra minutes developing their lead characters' personalities.

80's feel in a millenial teen rom-com. Image Source: Netflix

The movie is a mixture of yellow and pink themes projecting a bright and sunny disposition of Sierra’s character. I was just a little confuse as to what genra this movie would like to portray. It appears to be a romantic comedy mixed with some teen drame. It has the old school texture within a millenial timeline. The story does not only focus on Sierra and Jamey's love story. It also shifts the focus on Sierra and Veronica's sudden friendship, on Sierra's bullying issues, on Sierra's insecurities, on Veronica's insecurities, school, and other stuff. This is quite a load of issues if you'll ask me.

The film was narrated on third person point of view but mostly on Sierra's perspective. It switches from Veronica and Jamey's perspective once in a while which is kinda abrupt and cuts off most of the heightening emotions.

5. Moronica

Veronica is the antagonist in the story. The typical beautiful, popular girl who is a bitchy cheerleader that bullies Sierra and calls her a reject. She is friends with other mean girls. She has a college boyfriend who broke up with her because she was not smart enough for him. The break up triggered her insecurities prompting her to accept a deal with Sierra. Sierra offers to tutor her, so she would become smart enough to win her boyfriend back. In exchange, Veronica helps Sierra to pretend to be her for Jamey. Veronica is played by Kristine Froseth who is quite a revelation in this film.

Veronica is played by Kristine Froseth. Image Source: Netflix

Winning her ex-boyfriend back is quite a shallow reason of wanting to be smart, but alright. I'll give to them. High school!

Veronica's character really stood its ground. I find more substance in her character than the two leads. The character developed consistently throughout the film. She started to be this mean person. Then you get to know her background and understand where she is coming from, her angsts, and her hostility. Then as the film goes, you'll grew to like her. She did backslide into being a bitch for a while but there was enough justification and redemption for it.

6. Movies within the movie

Although the movie was based in a play entitled Cyrano de Bergerac, there are some similar scenes that would make you think about movies as well.


Like the poetry writing and reading assignment in Sierra's class. This is so 10 Things I Hate About You. Jamey as the quarterback of the football team and Veronica as the cheerleader brings back memories of Finn and Quinn in Glee. Sierra being a geek with confidence reminds me of Rachel Leigh Cook in She’s All That minus the pretending and betting part. Veronica and her friends remind me of Mean Girls and the song number montage in the end is again, very Glee.

Reminds me of Finn Hudson and Quinn Fabray in Glee. Image Source: Netflix

7. Jamey and Sierra’s first kiss

It is so hard to believe that Sierra and Veronica could get away with it without Jamey noticing. The premise was that Jamey asked Sierra, who he thinks is Veronica, out on a date. Naturally, Sierra cannot physically go out on a date with Jamy, so she enlisted the help of Veronica. Veronica agreed to go out in a group date which includes Veronica’s mean girl friends tagging along. Sierra secretly follows them around during the date.

First "date." Image Source: Netflix

Stalker mode. Image Source: Netflix

There was this scene at the parking lot where Jamey and Veronica were leaning at the hood of Jamey’s car chatting. Sierra sneaks closer to both of them while hiding behind Jamey’s car. As she draws closer, Jamey suddenly pivots to get a jacket for Veronica inside the car. Sierra hurriedly dives under the car to hide. She overhears Jamey and Veronica talking about stars and she texted Veronica to contribute something in the conversation. Veronica was surprised that Sierra heard their conversation and tried looking around for her.

Things we do for love. Image Source: Netflix

During this part, Jamey should have already felt something weird about Veronica. She is not paying attention to their conversation. Instead, she keeps on turning, obviously looking for something or someone. She even made a not so subtle effort to look down and check under the car. How the heck had she known that Sierra was under the car? When Jamey attempted to kiss her, Veronica screamed loudly as Sierra pulls on her foot stopping her from kissing Jamey.

The big switch. Image Source: Netflix

Veronica, wanting to help Sierra, asked Jamie to close his eyes and instructed Sierra to get up from under the car. Covering Jamey’s eyes, Sierra switched places with Veronica and kissed Jamey. As Jamey opens his eyes, Veronica hurriedly reverts back in place spinning Jamey around, so he would not see Sierra walking away.

First kiss. Image Source: Netflix

I wonder how Jamey did not suspected that something was off. I mean, Jamey held Sierra’s face during the kiss thinking it was Veronica. Didn't he noticed that cheeks he is holding is a lot more squishy and chubby compared to Veronica’s bony face structure? Didn't he hear the footsteps or the changing distance of Veronica's voice before the kiss? Is Jamey that gullible to really close his eyes and not dare to take even a tiny peek? I mean, he is kissing the most popular girl in school and cannot at least have a glance? Come on!

8. Sierra and Jamey meets for the first time

This is my favorite part of the movie. This is when I felt the chemistry between Sierra and Jamey finally leveled up. This moment when Sierra meets Jamey face to face as herself for the very first time.

Sierra and her bestfriend Dan were picking up trash as part of their community service when Sierra spotted Jamey playing football with his younger brother in their front lawn. Sierra automatically hides not wanting to be seen. Dan told her to calm down since Jamey does not really know what she looks like as she was pretending to be Veronica. But Sierra tells Dan that Jamey can recognize her voice very well.

Sierra pretends to be a deaf in front of Jamey. Image Source: Netflix

To tease Sierra, Dan walks up to Jamey and his brother asking to join their football throwing session. Dan waves back to Sierra taunting her to come over. Dan introduces Sierra to Jamy and Sierra suddenly signs pretending to be deaf. Unfortunately for her, Jamey understands sign language. He calls over his younger brother who was deaf and introduced him to Sierra as well. I have no idea how much sign language does Sierra knows but judging from their small talk, I don't think she knows that much.

Jamey looked at Sierra adoringly while shaking her hands. Image Source: Netflix

Sparks flew the moment Jamey shook Sierra's hand and looked at her adoringly. I mean, Noah’s eyes are really amazing. They could really melt your heart. Unfortunately, the sparks only remained for a few seconds of screen time. It then faded away when Sierra drove away.

9.  The weird parents

I find Sierra's parents to be a little weird. I mean, I get it. Her father is a famous writer. But is the sudden belting of quotes from different literary pieces necessary to show his greatness as a writer? Her mother’s acrostic mantras are way too overboard. I do not know if it was done on purpose to make Sierra’s character appear weirder than it was. But I really don’t get it.

Alan Ruck and Lea Thompson plays the role of Sierra's parents. Image Source: Netflix

I feel the same way with Veronica’s mom. I mean, what is her problem? Veronica told Sierrra how her dad left them but that only barely explains her mother's character. Again, it probably was an attempt to provide a reason for Veronica’s attitude. But again. Execution. All scenes were too quick to really sum up the entire backstory.

10. The viral scandal

I totally lost what little sympathy I have for Sierra after she hacked Veronica’s social media account and uploaded a screenshot of Veronica’s DM with her boyfriend Spence. Apparently, Spence broke up with Veronica after spending making out or, I guess, having sex with her in his car. Sierra uploaded the message with a picture of them kissing as a revenge because she saw Veronica kissing Jamey before a big game between their schools starts.

Jamey finds out the truth. Image Source: Netflix

Sierra's character was introduced to be smart and matured. Matured enough to handle no matter what the world throws at her. Then she resorted to lying about her identity just to get the man she loves. The she suddenly became insecure and vengeful. All thanks to that guidance counselor who made her realize how totally a loser she was. Aren't guidance counselors supposed to make help you? Is that woman a guidance counselor? Beats me. She was never introduced. I just assumed she was because she was giving out information about college stuff.


Sierra's character feels like it is hanging on a balance between lovable and bitchy. Again, it could probably be the erratic progression of her character in the story. She was not that adorable and interesting person when the movie started. Then I get to know a little of her and I started to sort of understand her. Then she does this whole catfishing thing and I ended up disliking her again. Then she develops her friendship with Veronica making her likeable again. Then she pretended to be deaf in front of Jamey which reduced her likeability back to zero. Then there was the stupid kiss, and the partying, the drunk call, then everything just went out the drain after that.


There was not that much redemption at the end for her too. I mean, come to think of it. It was her who lied to Jamey and tricked him into believing she was someone else. Then lied to him again about being deaf. Then catfished Veronica too. Not to mention her turning her back to her bestfriend Dan and neglecting school work. Then all she did was make a song and everything's fine again?


Sierra and Jamey’s reconciliation were also a little bit rushed. I was expecting a more romantic twist towards the end, but I was disappointed. Jamey was just an innocent victim who did nothing wrong. It was Sierra who created all the mess in the first place. Then why is she just sitting down the dining room eating with her parents in her homecoming gown? She should be the one to make the effort and talk to Jamey. 

In a nutshell…

The movie is still a good one. Thanks to the actors who really delivered on their roles. I can understand that it was really a challenge to stand out. After all, the movie came out under the bigger waves created by To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Noah Centineo’s presence in the movie is both an advantage and disadvantage. It is an advantage because the audience would be curious to know how he would fare on this film. It becomes a disadvantage because of a high expectation from him after cementing his image as Peter Kavinsky.

Lara Jane Covey and Peter Kavinsky. Team CoVinsky. Image Source: https://www.etonline.com

But this movie is still way better than The Kissing Booth. It has more substance into it. The issues are far more legit. As for me, Team CoVinsky pa rin talaga ako.

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