“Do you have any idea what it’s like to be a teenage girl and to look like this?” This is one iconic line in the heartwarming Netflix-produced romantic comedy Sierra Burgess is a Loser. The movie follows the uplifting story of two girls joining forces to win the heart of a football player. Shannon Purser gives a riveting performance starring as Sierra, a caring, astute senior in high-school, who is self-conscious about her looks. Written by Lindsey Beer, this movie teaches the viewers to think about their actions toward others in a whole new way.

Sierra is focused on getting into Stanford; she tutors fellow students and joins various clubs with her comical best friend Dan until she gets a text from Jamey, who is portrayed by the beloved Noah Centineo. He is known for his roles in the final three seasons of the television series The Fosters, the television film How to Build a Better Boy, and the 2018 Netflix romantic comedy films To All the Boys I've Loved Before. Jamey initially got Sierra’s number when Veronica, a popular cheerleader, handed it to him jokingly when he asked for her number. However, that cruel but joking gesture leads Jamey and Sierra to form a relationship over text, and eventually start talking on the phone, even though Jamey is unaware of who is really standing behind the screen.

The acting throughout the movie is very genuine, and their emotions are displayed beautifully. Directed by Ian Samuels, the movie employs an interesting take on the Cyrano de Bergerac play, making it into a modern version that includes major social issues such as bullying and self-love. I honestly wasn’t a huge fan of Sierra publicly humiliating Veronica, which might send the wrong message to young viewers.

Despite that, the magnificent song “Sunflower” makes up for any flaws in this movie. Written by Sierra as an apology to Veronica, the song sums up the whole movie in a powerful way.  In a phone call, Jamey says Sierra would most fit a rose: “The queen flower all the other flowers are jealous of.” The lyrics in Sunflower play a pivotal role in the story, and filled with emotion. The lyrics truly move the viewers, and they tie together the themes of friendship and body positivity. “But I’m a sunflower, a little funny/ If I were a rose, maybe you’d want me.” Sierra is saying that she is not the rose that Jamey was expecting, and maybe if she was then he would pick her. The turn of events towards the end of the movie will leave the viewers feeling fulfilled .

The incredible acting and inspiring theme in Sierra Burgess is a Loser make it a movie worth watching. It is truly a brilliant movie to all viewers, and it will make you think twice about what you say to others.