In case you’re living under a rock, Sierra Burgess is a Loser came out September 7th starring Shannon Purser from Riverdale and Noah Centineo from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. It’s an instant teen romance classic. Think She’s All That with a modern twist and without the makeover.
The movie follows Sierra Burgess as she navigates the many rings of hell in high school with her best friend, Dan. Sierra is portrayed as the typical nerdy band girl despite how charming and clever she really is. Sierra’s nemesis, Veronica, is the most popular and most beautiful girl in school. When Veronica decides to prank Jamey, the hot new guy in school, by giving him Sierra’s number instead of her own the prank goes wrong and unexpectedly creates a spark between Sierra and Jamey, even though he thinks he is talking to Veronica. In order to keep this relationship alive, Sierra must convince Veronica to assist her in catfishing Jamey. Sierra and Veronica build a genuine friendship and realize they are much more similar than they are different. When Jamey finally learns the truth he is hurt, but then understands why Sierra did what she did and realizes that he likes her too. Who doesn’t love a fairytale ending?
Throughout this movie, I had a lot of questions. Is it going to work out? Isn’t catfishing illegal? Is Noah Centineo actually an angel? Will Jamey understand Sierra in the end? While all of my questions were answered (yes I decided Noah is an angel), I realized that there are so many things we can learn from Sierra who really is a true badass and role model for all of us. She teaches us to be yourself even when she knows it can be the last person you want to be. Here’s what I learned from Sierra:
Live Authentically
“Just Be You” is the tagline from this movie. While this seems conflicting, considering the premise is catfishing, it really is the underlying message throughout the movie. Sierra feels like she doesn’t belong anywhere in high school, a feeling we have all had from time to time. By the end of the movie though she realizes that she is enough and being herself is all anyone can ever expect of her. Veronica feels similarly despite the mask she wears to keep all her popular friends from noticing. Veronica and Sierra remind us that being authentic is the only way to be happy.
Courtesy: Teen Vogue
Keep an Open Mind
I know, I know. It sounds cliché but this is one of the most important ideas of the movie. Sierra and Veronica are portrayed as complete opposites living parallel lives but as they continue through the movie, it’s easy to see that they are more similar than anyone would have thought. Sierra needs Veronica in her life to give her strength and lessons in mastering good eyebrows and Veronica needs Sierra to do well in school and remind her to be who she really is, not the mean girl she pretends to be. Both girls had preconceived notions about each other but as soon as they got to know each other, they became real friends.
Stay Grounded
It’s easy to get wrapped up in drama and forget who you really are. Sierra goes through this as she navigates the new world that comes with being Veronica’s friend. While she experiences parties and fake friends for the first time, she neglects her best friend Dan and creates tension between the two. She forgot who she really was and who truly cared about her. When Sierra’s lies crash around her, she realizes that Dan is the friend that has always been there for her and the friend that has always kept her grounded.