The real strength of Sierra Burgess Is a Loser is the steely determination and sharp intellect of Sierra herself, for which Purser must be given most of the credit.

Beyond its aspects of romantic comedy, Sierra Burgess Is A Loser offers an authentic examination of identity in the confines of high school stereotypes.

Each character is given a chance at failure and redemption, which is what makes “Sierra Burgess” feel like such a well-rounded world. The smart script and butterfly-inducing romance captures those sweet moments of falling in love — whether it’s with your crush, or even better, with a friend.

Even if you’ve seen it all before, Sierra Burgess will still satisfy your end-of-summer sweet tooth.

In its best moments, Sierra Burgess, directed by Ian Samuels and written by Lindsey Beer, has the charm of a Shakespearean mistaken-identity gambol.