Despite the massive trainwreck that is Insatiable, Sierra Burgess Is a Loser was Netflix’s redemption at Hollywood’s issue of fat shaming and lack of plus size representation in leading roles. However, the Netflix original falls short in that the network has no idea how to properly represent plus-size characters. Sierra Burgess’s (Shannon Purser) character is flawed and even at times is the antagonist in a storyline where she is to be the heroine. Here is what I like and dislike about Sierra Burgess Is a Loser.

Why Sierra Is Not a Loser 

1. The character of “mean girl” with a heart of gold, Veronica (Kristine Froseth) was by far my personal favorite. Despite the insecure lash outs and rough exterior. Veronica was a more relatable character than the main heroine of the story. Her mother has pushed her own “skinny agenda” on her eldest daughter to be everything she can’t be because of her size that inevitably breaks up her own marriage. Veronica has been living up to her mother’s standards to be the head cheerleader and gain popularity.

Hindering Veronica to grow and learn about herself despite the persona her mother had chosen for her. Even when faced with a proposition from Sierra that she can be tutored to become smart in order to win back her ex. Veronica seeks out an authentic friendship with Sierra. Veronica was Sierra’s personal cheerleader in life and the key piece to Sierra’s happiness in the end.

2. Noah Centineo is the new Netflix and Rom-Com heartthrob as we are all swooning for the character, Jamey. Netflix has one thing right by creating the ideal boyfriend in characters of Jamey and Peter (To All the Boys I Ever Loved) both portrayed by Noah. Jamey is the adorable quarterback that breaks all the stereotypical “jock” tropes. He is not afraid of who he is seen with and what society deems as “attractive” to associate with. Something that everyone should get behind in this new era where we can break down those superficial walls that society has built over the decades.

Why Sierra Is a Loser 

1. There are main issues I have with the lead character and the “heroine” of this film, Sierra Burgess. At first, Sierra seems confident and unapologetic about her outward appearance. Something that had me giving air high-fives at my screen because for a moment we were getting a plus size character with confidence. Unfortunately, the storyline derails from that character quality when Sierra receives an image of Jamey. This comes after Sierra’s number is given out to him by Veronica in a malicious ruse to toy with Sierra along with Jamey.

Sierra becomes self-loathing and insecure because why would a guy that looks like Jamey be attracted to her? The real question is why could a guy like Jamey be attracted to a plus size woman? Sierra’s insecurities get the worst of her as she decides to catfish Jamey into believing she is Veronica. Even taking things a step further by enlisting the real Veronica to help keep up her facade.

The catfishing becomes ridiculous as Sierra fakes being deaf, sneaking around and hiding under Jamey’s Jeep during his date with Veronica. Also that whole “keep your eyes closed” swap out of Veronica with Sierra kiss scene with Jamey was a joke. We all know no one would keep their eye shut that long for a kiss. The scene was ridiculous and cheapened the storyline.

2. Woman have been taught for decades in media to be competitive with one another and always over a man. So seeing two females that are opposite in every way getting along and forming an organic friendship was a breath of fresh air. Until Sierra sees Jamey kiss Veronica before the football game (mind you this boy has been falling for Sierra in the physical form of Veronica).

Sierra sees the kiss go down and immediately decided to publically humiliate Veronica by logging into Veronica’s Instagram DM’s and sends out a link to everyone in school a screenshot of the DM “dump.” Of course, a classmate has to put this screenshot up on the scoreboard during the football game. Why was this even necessary? Why do we need to see more woman undermining and bullying one another because of the assumption of a guy’s feelings? Why can’t female character get along and build each other up? This was a very frustrating scene and even felt out of character for Sierra.