We both expected this movie to stick to the shallow waters that many of Netflix original teen dramas have. However, we were pleasantly surprised when this one waded into deeper waters!
The story follows Sierra Burgess, a high school girl with low self esteem who is embarrassed by her looks and bullied by the popular girls in school. When a joke has a cute boy texting her, she develops a relationship with him without revealing who she really is, and in the process becomes friends with the most popular girl in school. It sounds convoluted and silly but it actually works as a story line.
I was impressed with the depth they gave to each of the main characters. It seemed at first as if they would all be typical stock characters - the pretty and petty popular girl, the handsome jock, and the shy, quiet band geek. I don't want to give away details, but each character was given more to their story than that surface label.
Now, the movie does have some issues. Lies and deception are central to the story, and the consequences at the end are perhaps unrealistic. However, it held my attention the whole time, I laughed and I cried, and I found it very enjoyable. If you like teen movies with real heart and depth, this one is for you.