Honestly, we need to talk about it. It’s been years since Netflix dropped Sierra Burgess Is a Big Loser, and the internet still hasn’t moved on. Not really. Most teen rom-coms fade into the background of our collective memory, buried under a mountain of newer, shinier releases. But this one? It sticks. Like a bad taste you can't quite scrub off.
At first glance, it had everything. You’ve got Shannon Purser (the internet’s darling Barb from Stranger Things), Noah Centineo in his peak "Internet's Boyfriend" era, and a classic Cyrano de Bergerac retelling. It should’ve been a slam dunk for the body-positivity movement. Instead, it became a masterclass in how to write a protagonist that audiences actually ended up hating.
The Catfishing Question: When "Relatable" Becomes Toxic
The premise of Sierra Burgess Is a Big Loser starts with a classic, if slightly mean, trope. Veronica, the school’s resident "mean girl," gives Sierra’s phone number to a cute jock named Jamey as a prank. Jamey thinks he’s texting the beautiful cheerleader. Sierra, realizing the mistake, decides to keep the ruse going.
This is where things get messy.
There’s a massive difference between a little white lie and a full-blown identity heist. Sierra doesn't just send a few texts. She orchestrates a complex, multi-layered deception that involves roping Veronica into a tutoring-for-impersonation scheme.
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Why do we still talk about this? Because the movie asks us to root for Sierra simply because she’s the "uncool" girl. It plays on the idea that if you’re smart and don’t fit conventional beauty standards, your moral lapses are just "quirky" or "desperate." But the audience in 2026 isn't buying that anymore. Catfishing is a serious violation of trust. It’s not just a cute plot device; it’s manipulation.
That One Scene Nobody Can Forget
We have to mention the kiss. You know the one. Jamey thinks he’s on a date with Veronica. He closes his eyes for a kiss, and Sierra—who has been hiding in the shadows—swaps in to take Veronica's place.
Let's be real: that's not romantic. In any other context, we’d call that a lack of consent. Jamey is being kissed by someone he didn't agree to kiss. The fact that the movie frames this with swelling music and soft lighting is, frankly, alarming. It strips Jamey of his autonomy.
Why the "Mean Girl" Was Actually the Hero
One of the most surprising things about Sierra Burgess Is a Big Loser is how much we ended up liking Veronica. Played by Kristine Froseth, Veronica starts as a caricature but ends up being the most human person in the film.
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- She actually grows. Veronica goes from a shallow bully to someone who values Sierra’s intelligence and friendship.
- She’s vulnerable. We see her struggling with a toxic home life and a mother who treats her like a trophy.
- She’s the victim of the film’s biggest betrayal. When Sierra gets jealous, she hacks into Veronica’s social media and posts a humiliating photo of her. It’s a vicious, calculated move. And yet, by the end of the movie, Veronica is the one apologizing? It feels upside down.
The Problem With the Ending
In a typical 90s rom-com, there’s a big "reveal" where the truth comes out, the protagonist is humbled, and they have to earn back the trust of the person they hurt. That doesn't happen here.
Jamey finds out. He’s upset for about five minutes. Then, after hearing a song Sierra wrote called "Sunflower," he just... shows up at her house with a flower?
It sends a weird message. It says that if you’re "a big loser" (or at least, if you feel like one), you can bypass the consequences of being a bad friend and a liar. Most viewers felt that Jamey deserved better. They felt that Veronica deserved a better friend.
What We Can Actually Learn From It
Despite the backlash, there are a few things the movie gets right—even if it’s by accident.
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- Comparison is the thief of joy. Sierra was actually doing fine until she started measuring herself against Veronica.
- The "Sunflower" metaphor. The song itself is actually quite beautiful. It taps into that universal feeling of not being the "rose" in the room.
- Female friendship is complex. The bond between Sierra and Veronica (before the betrayal) was actually the most interesting part of the film.
If you’re watching this now, use it as a case study. Look at how the film handles boundaries. Or rather, how it doesn't.
Moving Forward
If you're looking for a teen movie that handles these themes with more grace, you might want to check out Eighth Grade or The Edge of Seventeen. They deal with insecurity without resorting to toxic tropes.
For those who still love the aesthetic of Sierra Burgess Is a Big Loser, that’s fine too. You can appreciate the cinematography and the soundtrack while still acknowledging that Sierra’s actions were way out of line. The real takeaway is that being an underdog doesn't give you a free pass to be a villain in someone else's story.
Next time you’re scrolling through Netflix, look for stories where the "loser" wins by being a better person, not just a better liar. Check out the film's soundtrack on Spotify if you want the "Sunflower" vibes without the cringe-worthy plot points. It’s much better for your blood pressure.