Netflix took the world by storm this year after releasing many hit original movies. One such movie is To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and it was mainstreamed all over the country in a matter of days. Countless viewers fell in love with the cute storyline and the talented Noah Centineo in his charming role of Peter Kavinsky.

After the smashing success of his hit film, Centineo displays a different kind of character in a new Netflix original film called Sierra Burgess is a Loser. The film sparked controversy across the country and many viewers shared their strong opinions online soon after it hit the screen.

The main character in this movie, Sierra Burgess, who is played by Shannon Purser, shows a perspective that the audience rarely experiences. The main character displayed dishonesty in the film while the antagonist displayed bullying.

Veronica, played by Kristine Froseth, is the antagonist who is the popular girl and was able to manipulate many guys into anything she wanted them to do.

This leads to the characters lying and portraying themselves as being other people online. Veronica helped Sierra achieve her goals and in return, Sierra tutored her after school for Chemistry.

Another problem many viewers had was the portrayal of a plus size main character who pretends to be someone she isn’t in order for a guy to date her.

While many were happy to see a plus sized character played by a plus sized actress, and have the character have an amazing amount of self confidence also, it was over played by Sierra’s lying and revengeful attitude towards her peers.  

Another plot element viewers turned a cold shoulder to was when Sierra meets Jamey in person and pretends to be deaf. Jamey’s own brother is deaf himself so the two “bond” over it.  

However, viewers weren’t too keen on having someone fake a disability and get away with it.

The film also sparked controversy from its depiction of Sierra and Veronica apparently “catfishing” Jamey. This means that Sierra is pretending to be Veronica and actually ends up watching them go on a real date together. Sierra kissed Jamey when his eyes are closed and he believes it to be Veronica, which also sparked anger from people who felt that Jamey’s consent had been taken away.  

Things only get worse when Veronica accidently kisses Jamey in the heat of the moment at a school football game. Sierra found out, hacked into Veronica’s Instagram, and cyberbullied her in front of the whole school in the middle of the game.

This is just one of the instances where the characters take part in an act of bullying and there are no consequences for their poor actions.

However, the film did have some highlights. Sierra’s best friend, Dan played by RJ Cyler, called Sierra out each time she was being a bad friend—something all the viewers wished they could’ve done as well.

Viewers also enjoyed Sierra’s confidence in the beginning of the movie when she tells herself that she is “a magnificent beast!”

While he was a favorite character, throughout the movie, Jamey seemed to be innocent and a nice guy. However towards the end of the film, he says “you’re not exactly everyone’s type… but you’re my type,” which is a backhanded compliment that wasn’t expected to come from such a loveable character.

Although it got many negative reviews, Sierra Burgess is a Loser had generated heated debates among people of all ages and opinions. Some plot holes should have been tied up by the end, but the film accomplished its main purpose—to get people talking. As they say, any press is good press.