Sierra Burgess Is a Loser (2018): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser is a 2018 comedy drama directed by Ian Samuels, starring Shannon Purser as Sierra, Alan Ruck and Kristine Froseth. It runs 1 hour 45 minutes. Critics gave it 58% on Rotten Tomatoes and 60 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.8/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 45m (105 min)
- Director
- Ian Samuels
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Netflix
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Sierra Burgess Is a Loser About?
The premise of Sierra Burgess Is a Loser without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A popular jock's crush mistakenly believes he's been corresponding with a shy, intelligent girl named Sierra. Seeing an opportunity, Sierra initially plays along, but soon finds herself navigating a complicated web of deception and unexpected feelings. Along with her best friend, she tries to manage the situation, leading to humorous misunderstandings and ultimately, a journey of self-discovery and finding genuine connection.
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- mistaken identity
- bullying
- cheerleader
- texting
- teenage girl
- high school
- popularity
- popular girl
- loser
- working together
- crush
- teenage boy
+38 more Show fewer
- overachiever
- marching band
- high school band
- catfishing
- quarterback
- poetry
- pretending to be someone else
- deaf boy
- drunk dial
- self esteem
- bully
- talking on the phone
- keeping up appearances
- school assignment
- insecurity
- party
- college application
- singer
- philosophy
- unpopular girl
- unlikely friends
- dupe
- gay best friend
- homecoming
- dumped
- instant messaging
- trying to impress a boy
- college admissions essay
- rejection
- football player
- unlikely friendship
- poem
- sunflower
- bare chested male
- claim in title
- name in title
- transphobic remark
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser Cast & Characters
Shannon Purser leads the cast as Sierra, with Alan Ruck as Stephen Burgess and Kristine Froseth as Veronica. Directed by Ian Samuels; 16 actors are credited in all.
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Director Ian Samuels
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Shannon Purser as Sierra -
Alan Ruck as Stephen Burgess -
Kristine Froseth as Veronica -
Noah Centineo as Jamey
Also Starring in Sierra Burgess Is a Loser
· 12 more- RJ Cyler Dan
- Lea Thompson Jules Osborn-Burgess
- Loretta Devine Ms. Thomson
- Mary Pat Gleason Counselor Stevens
- Alice Lee Mackenzie
- Chrissy Metz Trish
- Giorgia Whigham Chrissy
- Shoniqua Shandai Brandy
- Joey Morgan
- William Peltz
- Brandon Thomas Lee
- Ashton Smiley
More from Ian Samuels
More films directed by Ian Samuels, best-rated first: The Map of Tiny Perfect Things and Myrna the Monster.
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Sierra Burgess Is a Loser 58% on Rotten Tomatoes and 60 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 57/100, strongest in character & emotion (75) and weakest in art & craft (45).
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser Echo Score Breakdown
In terms of the overall experience, Sierra Burgess Is a Loser delivers mixed results with notable strengths in character portrayals offset by uneven execution in other areas. While many point to its empathetic lead and sharp dialogue, others cite plot inconsistencies and clumsy craftsmanship. Audiences praise its relatable identity exploration and sweet moments, even as third-act narrative problems and a raw sound edit undercut its cohesion. Ultimately, the film offers engaging scenes but lacks consistent polish.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 45
In terms of art and craft, the film exhibits uneven technical execution with a first-draft feel in its editing and occasional rough sound mixing. Some reviewers note moments of striking photography and coherent visual framing. However, recurring comments about clumsy production design and an unfinished sound edit show that the visual and technical aspects lack consistent refinement.
- Character & Emotion 75
When it comes to character and emotion, the film benefits from strong performances and empathetic characterizations that resonate with viewers. Shannon Purser and co-stars deliver nuanced portrayals that bring depth to their roles. While some find the protagonist occasionally manipulative, the overall chemistry and well-rounded arcs provide emotional engagement. The characters’ authenticity remains a key asset throughout the story.
- Story & Flow 60
In terms of story and flow, Sierra Burgess Is a Loser balances relatable identity themes with pacing and coherence issues. Several sequences capture authentic high-school dynamics and surprising narrative twists, yet third-act developments feel undercooked and some plot devices strain credibility. The mixture of engaging dialogue and episodic momentum is tempered by occasional structural weaknesses that impede overall narrative cohesion.
- Sensory Experience 55
When evaluating the sensory experience, the film offers an appealing soundtrack and occasional vibrant visual moments. Listeners appreciate the end-of-summer tone set by the score, but irregular sound editing and a forced retro aesthetic draw criticism. The visual style shows promise in select scenes, yet inconsistencies in sound design and production polish limit the sensory immersion on repeat.
- Rewatch Factor 50
Regarding rewatch value, opinions are divided due to the film’s uneven qualities. Some viewers find charm in its heartfelt moments and sharp dialogue, making it suitable for a comfort watch. Others cite uninvolving material and cringe-inducing elements that diminish enjoyment on repeat viewings. Ultimately, the film maintains modest appeal but may not sustain enduring interest.
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IMDb 5.8 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 58% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 29%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 60 Metascore
User score 4.3
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 63% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 1.5 /5
31 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 1.0 /5
See on Movie Insider
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser Plot Summary
What happens in Sierra Burgess Is a Loser from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
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.
Full summary
The whole story of Sierra Burgess Is a Loser, scene by scene
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Sierra Burgess Is a Loser.
How Well Do You Know Sierra Burgess Is a Loser?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is Sierra Burgess's main goal throughout the movie?
Cars in Sierra Burgess Is a Loser
4 cars on screen, including the 1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet I Typ 17 and the 2016 Chevrolet Spark.
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1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet I Typ 17 Important role -
2016 Chevrolet Spark Background role -
1985 Ford B-Series Background role -
1989 Jeep Wrangler Background role
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser Also Known As
21 alternative titles, including “Sierra Burgess é uma Loser” and “Sierra Burgess egy lúzer”.
- Also known as
-
- Sierra Burgess é uma Loser
- Sierra Burgess egy lúzer
- Sierra Burgess a lúzer
- Sierra Burgess è una sfigata
- Сьерра Берджесс — неудачница
- Sierra Burgess es una perdedora
- Sierra Burges jest przegrywem
- Η Σιέρα Μπέρτζες Είναι Ξενέρωτη
- 废柴女孩
- 魯妹席艾拉
- סיירה ברג'ס לוזרית
- Sierra Burgess es una loser
+9 more Show fewer
- Sierra Burgess est une perdante
- เซียร์รา เบอร์เจสส์ แกล้งป๊อปไว้หารัก
- シエラ・バージェスはルーザー
- Sierra Burgess e o fraieră
- 시에라 연애 대작전
- Sierra Burgess je marná
- Сьєрра Берджесс - невдаха, სიერა ბერჯესი უიღბლოა
- Sierra Burgess: Kẻ Thất Bại
- 席艾拉正廢柴
Seen Sierra Burgess Is a Loser?
Movies Like Sierra Burgess Is a Loser
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Loser, Dear Lemon Lima and She's All That.
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser FAQ: Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Sierra Burgess Is a Loser, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Sierra Burgess Is a Loser?
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser runs 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes).
When was Sierra Burgess Is a Loser released?
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser was released on September 7, 2018.
Who directed Sierra Burgess Is a Loser?
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser was directed by Ian Samuels.
More films by Ian Samuels Who is in the cast of Sierra Burgess Is a Loser?
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser stars Shannon Purser as Sierra, Alan Ruck as Stephen Burgess and Kristine Froseth as Veronica, among 16 credited actors.
How is Sierra Burgess Is a Loser rated?
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser has 5.8/10 on IMDb, 58% on Rotten Tomatoes, 60 on Metacritic and 63% on TMDB.
Does Sierra Burgess Is a Loser have a post-credit scene?
No. Sierra Burgess Is a Loser has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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