Since her Emmy-nominated debut in the Netflix original “Stranger Things,” actress Shannon Purser has been given supporting roles in a handful of projects, including CW’s “Riverdale.” Now, the young actress is poised to own her first title role with the Netflix original film “Sierra Burgess is a Loser.”
Described as a modern romantic comedy, “Sierra Burgess is a Loser” offers a take on high school romance in an age when hiding behind a screen feels is an escapist way of handling the world. Purser plays the title role of Sierra. About to graduate high school, looking to head to an Ivy League college, Sierra scrambles to define who she is while juggling an unexpected romance with the high school football star. But here’s the catch, said football star, Jamey, is beckoning for the attention of Veronica, high school cheerleader and resident mean girl.
This will be the feature-length debut for director Ian Samuels, who has primarily focused on short films. It will also mark the debut screenplay for writer Lindsey Beer, who has a slew of high-profile projects coming up, including collaborations on “Godzilla vs. Kong” and “Chaos Walking.” The concept behind the film is rich with opportunity to tell a story of defining who you are when the world is made up of screens.
“Sierra Burgess Is A Loser” hits Netflix September 7.
Here’s the official synopsis and trailer:
The film is a modern rom-com retelling of the Cyrano de Bergerac story set in high school. The story centers on Sierra (Shannon Purser), an intelligent teen who does not fall into the shallow definition of high school pretty but, in a case of mistaken identity that results in unexpected romance, must team with the popular girl (Kristine Froseth) in order to win her crush. RJ Cyler, Noah Centineo, Chrissy Metz, Alan Ruck and Lea Thompson co-star.