Sierra Burgess Is a Loser 2018
Directed by
Ian Samuels
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
Sierra Burgess is a bright and ambitious high school student with dreams of attending Stanford University, yet she struggles with popularity. Her classmate, Veronica, often belittles her, but Sierra responds with cleverness, avoiding confrontation through her charm.
Meanwhile, on the sports field, the dashing football player, Jamey, from another school unknowingly seeks Veronica’s contact information, believing he’s hitting it off with her, despite her having a college boyfriend. In a twist of circumstances, an attempt to deflect Jamey leads Veronica to give him Sierra’s number.
As Jamey and Sierra begin a flirty text exchange, she finds herself falling for him, fully aware that he thinks he’s texting Veronica. In band class, Sierra confides in her close friend, Dan, about her feelings and deception. Although Dan is wary of her choices, Sierra stands firm, asserting that it is Jamey’s own decision to engage with her.
When Veronica’s boyfriend, Spence, ends their relationship, deeming her as unworthy, she seeks Sierra’s help to improve herself academically in exchange for keeping Jamey interested. As they tutor each other, a friendship blooms, allowing them to see deeper aspects of one another’s lives. Veronica shares the story of her father’s infidelity, leading to her mother’s pressure for her to pursue cheerleading fame.
As fate would have it, Jamey invites Sierra out on a date—with Veronica accompanying him out of loyalty to her friend. When the moment arises for a kiss, Sierra intervenes, leading to a surprising turn of events.
The tangled web of feelings intensifies when Jamey unexpectedly kisses Veronica after a game, leaving her feeling guilty about Sierra. Noticing the kiss, Sierra retaliates by revealing Veronica’s breakup with Spence to the entire school. As the game unfolds, Veronica bravely confesses everything to Jamey, but panic ensues when Sierra’s voice gives away her identity. Feeling betrayed, Jamey demands both girls to stay away from him.
In a moment of reflection, Sierra pens a heartfelt song titled “Sunflower,” which she sends to Veronica as a way to apologize. Veronica finally asserts herself against her overbearing mother, determining to live life on her own terms. She bravely goes to Jamey’s place, performing the song to win back his attention and convince him to give Sierra another chance.
In a heartwarming resolution, Jamey forgives Sierra and invites her to homecoming, surprising her with a sunflower. They share a tender kiss and attend the dance together, where Veronica and Sierra meet again. Their friendship is beautifully cemented through a hug, joined by Dan, celebrating their newfound understanding and connection.
Timeline
Sierra's Aspirations
Sierra Burgess is introduced as a bright and ambitious high school student with dreams of attending Stanford University. Despite her intelligence and talents, she grapples with her lack of popularity among her peers.
Veronica's Cruelty
Sierra often faces belittlement from her classmate Veronica, who embodies the typical popular girl archetype. Rather than confront Veronica, Sierra responds with cleverness and charm to navigate the bullying she experiences.
Miscommunication with Jamey
On the sports field, Jamey, a dashing football player from another school, mistakenly seeks out Veronica's contact information. In an unexpected twist, Veronica gives Jamey Sierra's number instead, believing it to be harmless.
Flirty Texting Begins
After Jamey receives Sierra's number, they start a flirty text exchange that deepens their connection. Sierra finds herself falling for Jamey, even though she knows he believes he is communicating with Veronica.
Confiding in Dan
During band class, Sierra confides in her close friend Dan about her feelings for Jamey and the deception surrounding their relationship. Dan expresses concern about her choices, but Sierra stands firm, insisting that Jamey can choose who he wants to talk to.
Veronica's Breakup
After Veronica's boyfriend Spence ends their relationship, she approaches Sierra for help with academics. In return, Veronica agrees to help keep Jamey interested, leading to an unexpected friendship between the two girls.
Building a Friendship
As the two girls tutor each other, they begin to connect on a deeper level, sharing personal stories. Veronica reveals her father's infidelity, which has placed immense pressure on her, further bonding them over their struggles.
The Date Invite
Jamey invites Sierra out on a date, creating a complicated situation as Veronica decides to accompany him. This loyalty leads to tension as both girls have feelings for him, complicating their budding friendship.
The Game-Changing Kiss
During a game, Jamey unexpectedly kisses Veronica, which leaves her feeling guilty about Sierra. This kiss drives a wedge between the three characters, spiraling their relationships into chaos.
Sierra's Retaliation
In a fit of anger, Sierra reveals Veronica's breakup with Spence to the entire school. This act of betrayal intensifies the tumultuous dynamic between the three characters and exposes deeper issues of trust and friendship.
Jamey's Demands
Following the revelation, Jamey confronts both girls, feeling betrayed and demanding they stay away from him. The fallout leaves all three characters in a state of confusion and heartbreak as they navigate their fractured relationships.
Writing 'Sunflower'
In a moment of introspection, Sierra writes a heartfelt song titled 'Sunflower' as a means of apology. This song becomes a pivotal moment that allows her to express her feelings after realizing the impact of her deception.
Veronica's Stand
Veronica decides to confront her overbearing mother, choosing to live her life on her own terms. This newfound strength empowers her to pursue her own happiness and face the consequences of her actions.
Performing 'Sunflower'
Veronica goes to Jamey's place and performs Sierra's song to reconnect with him. This act intends to win back Jamey's attention while encouraging him to reconsider his feelings for Sierra.
Resolution and Forgiveness
In a heartwarming conclusion, Jamey forgives Sierra and asks her to the homecoming dance, surprising her with a sunflower. The story culminates in a billowy night of joy where all characters find closure and friendship is restored.
Characters
Jamey (Noah Centineo)
Jamey is a charming and unaware football player who finds himself entangled in a love triangle. He is portrayed as genuine and kind-hearted, developing affection for Sierra, despite initially being led to believe he is texting Veronica. His journey reflects the themes of understanding and choice in relationships.
Sierra (Kristine Froseth)
Sierra is a bright, ambitious girl navigating the complexities of high school social life. Her intelligence is paired with a lack of popularity, leading her to make questionable choices in love. Throughout the movie, she learns about bravery, honesty, and self-acceptance.
Veronica (Lea Thompson)
Veronica initially comes off as antagonistic to Sierra but evolves throughout the film, showcasing vulnerability and strength. After facing personal challenges and a breakup, she develops a genuine friendship with Sierra, illustrating the impact of personal growth and mutual support.
Dan (RJ Cyler)
Dan is Sierra's supportive best friend who provides encouragement and insight. While initially skeptical of Sierra's choices, he ultimately stands by her, highlighting the importance of loyal friendships in navigating life's challenges.
Setting
Time period
The events unfold in contemporary times, reflecting the social dynamics of modern high school life. Issues such as popularity, self-identity, and the impact of technology on relationships are prevalent. This time period resonates with the experiences of current adolescents navigating their teenage years.
Location
High School, Football Field
The movie primarily takes place in a typical American high school and its surrounding areas, including the football field. The high school setting is bustling with teenage drama, cliques, and aspirations. The football field serves as a backdrop for social interactions and pivotal moments in the story.
Themes
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Unrequited Love
Unrequited love is a central theme, as Sierra harbors feelings for Jamey while he believes he is communicating with Veronica. This theme explores the complexities of affection, deception, and the longing for acceptance. Ultimately, both girls confront their feelings and their identities as they navigate relationships.
🤝
Friendship
The development of friendship between Sierra and Veronica is significant. Initially rivals, they bond over personal struggles and support each other through challenging circumstances. This theme highlights the importance of understanding and empathy in friendships, as both girls learn to embrace their true selves.
🎶
Self-Expression
Self-expression is showcased through Sierra's creative outlet, notably her heartfelt song 'Sunflower.' This theme emphasizes the power of art and music as means for individuals to convey emotions and mend relationships. Sierra's song acts as a bridge for reconciliation and personal growth.
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