Netflix is gearing up for the release of new drama film, ‘Miller’s Girl’ featuring Jenna Ortega, despite facing criticism for its intimate scenes between Ortega and co-star Martin Freeman, who is over 30 years her senior.
Jenna Ortega’s controversial new movie has secured its digital release date as her star continues to rise in Hollywood. Known for her role in the upcoming Beetlejuice sequel, Ortega has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in the industry, excelling in both film and television.
Ortega’s casting in the lead role of the new erotic drama has sparked discussions among fans and critics, marking a departure from her previous projects. In “Miller’s Girl,” she stars alongside Martin Freeman, portraying an 18-year-old student navigating a complex relationship with her creative writing teacher. The film is slated for release on Netflix on April 25th, offering audiences a glimpse into this provocative storyline.
The film has garnered attention primarily for its intimate scenes featuring Ortega and Freeman, sparking debate over the significant age gap between the two actors. Freeman, renowned for his roles in “The Hobbit” and “Sherlock,” is over 30 years older than Ortega, who is 21. This age difference has led to ethical concerns regarding the portrayal of these scenes, with some labeling them as disturbing.
The film’s intimacy coordinator, Kristina Arjona, emphasized the extensive measures taken to ensure Ortega’s comfort during the filming of the more intense and intimate scenes. “Throughout this process, many people were involved in discussions with Jenna to ensure that her boundaries were respected,” Arjona told DailyMail. “She was very assertive and clear about her preferences and boundaries, and we made sure to honor them.”
In the film, Ortega takes on the role of Cairo, an 18-year-old student, while Freeman portrays her teacher, Jonathan. As the storyline unfolds, the boundaries of their teacher-student relationship become increasingly blurred. Cairo’s involvement in crafting a scandalous narrative intertwines with her reality, leading to a provocative exploration of what is deemed inappropriate within the context of their dynamic.
Ortega’s involvement in the 2024 drama marks another step in her journey into more mature roles, following appearances in R-rated films like Scream and Scream VI, as well as smaller projects like X.
The film initially hit theaters on January 26th, but failed to gain traction, earning only $321,000 domestically during its opening weekend. While it’s challenging to attribute this solely to the intimate scenes between Ortega and Freeman, they likely played a role in the film’s lukewarm reception among audiences.
With a lackluster audience score of 42% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film faces an uphill battle in shaping public perception, especially as it prepares for its Netflix release later in April.
