Miller’s Girl, a 2024 black comedy drama film starring Martin Freeman and Jenna Ortega, has sparked a heated debate among viewers and critics for its portrayal of a sexual relationship between a teacher and a student.
The Plot
In this black comedy drama, Ortega played the character of Cairo Sweet, an 18-year-old student caught in an inappropriate relationship with her English professor, Jonathan Miller, portrayed by Freeman. The storyline revolves around their complicated and inappropriate relationship that develops after a creative writing assignment.
The Controversy
The significant age gap of 31 years between Ortega and Freeman has prompted varied reactions among audiences, with many expressing discomforts over their on-screen interactions. Some expressed discomfort with Freeman’s involvement in a sex scene, particularly due to his age. In Twitter, users voiced their unease, labeling their scenes as “gross” and “disturbing.”
One user tweeted, “I can’t believe they made Jenna Ortega do those scenes with Martin Freeman. She’s only 21 and he’s old enough to be her grandfather. That’s so messed up.”
Another user commented, “This film is not art, it’s exploitation. They are glorifying a predatory relationship between a teacher and a student. It’s sickening and irresponsible.”
The Defense
However, Kristina Arjona, the film’s intimacy coordinator, has stepped forward to defend the depiction of these moments. Arjona underscores Ortega’s active involvement in the decision-making process and emphasizes the importance of ensuring her comfort and consent throughout filming, particularly given her age.
She stated, “There was many, many people throughout this process, engaging with [Jenna] to make sure that it was consistent with what she was comfortable with, and she was very determined and very sure of what she wanted to do.”
The Praise
Despite the controversy, Ortega’s fans have rallied behind her, praising her professionalism and versatility as an actress. Ortega, speaking about her role, expressed her commitment to the character, stating, “I wanted to explore the complexities of Cairo’s journey and bring depth to her story.” Ortega’s dedication to her craft has been evident in her previous roles, including her Emmy-nominated performance in Netflix’s “Wednesday” series.
The film has also received positive feedback from some critics, who have lauded its provocative storytelling and Ortega’s compelling performance. One critic wrote, “Miller’s Girl is a bold and daring film that challenges the norms and expectations of society. Ortega delivers a stunning and nuanced portrayal of a young woman who defies convention and pursues her desires.”
The Criticism
Meanwhile, some viewers have shifted focus from the age gap to Freeman’s participation in the intimate scenes, expressing discomfort with his portrayal of a desirable figure. Freeman, commenting on the film’s artistic vision, remarked, “I was drawn to the depth of Jonathan’s character and the complexity of his relationship with Cairo. It was a challenging role, but one that I felt compelled to explore.”
However, some critics have panned the film for its portrayal of taboo relationships and its lack of realism. One critic remarked, “The film raises important questions about power dynamics and consent, but its handling of sensitive subject matter may leave some viewers uneasy. The film fails to address the consequences and implications of such a relationship, and instead romanticizes it as a forbidden love story.”
Watch Jenna for Miller’s Girl Interview
What do you think of Miller’s Girl? Have you seen it or are you planning to see it? Let us know in the comments below.
