Attention streaming fans! Let’s dive into the controversy of the latest film that’s sparking debates across the board. Join the conversation and share your take!
- Martin Freeman plays a teacher in a relationship with his students in the film.
- Freeman is 52 years old, while Jenna Ortega, who plays the student, is 21.
- Freeman asserts that Miller’s Girl does not endorse relationships with significant age gaps any more than films about the Holocaust endorse genocide.
- Ortega’s comfort level with the intimate scenes in the film is addressed.
Martin Freeman, the renowned actor, recently addressed the growing controversy surrounding his latest film, “Miller’s Girl,” which features a provocative age-gap storyline between his character and Jenna Ortega.
In the film directed by Jade Halley Bartlett, Freeman portrays Jonathan Miller, a high school teacher who becomes romantically involved with his 18-year-old student, Cairo Sweet, played by Ortega.
This on-screen relationship has ignited discussions due to the real-life 31-year age difference between the actors. Additionally, the movie is rated R for sexual content, teen smoking, and drinking. Audiences have also noted a lack of chemistry between the two actors.
In a detailed interview, Freeman described “Miller’s Girl” as a “grown-up and nuanced” film, emphasizing that it tackles sensitive subject matter without glorification.
He argues that just as “Schindler’s List” discusses genocide without glorifying it, “Miller’s Girl” aims to present its challenging content—such as the relationship dynamics due to the significant age gap—without endorsing or beautifying the problematic aspects of such relationships.
Miller’s Girl Intimacy Concerns Addressed
The film’s release has spurred debates about its content and impacted industry practices. Following the movie, changes were made to the confidentiality rules for intimacy coordinators by SAG-AFTRA, highlighting the need for stringent measures to protect actors’ boundaries while filming sensitive scenes.
This adjustment came after intimacy coordinator Kristina Arjona disclosed in an interview that extensive measures were taken to ensure Ortega was comfortable during intimate scenes; she described Ortega as “very determined and very sure of what she wanted to do.”
Arjona highlighted the importance of maintaining boundaries and stated they continually checked in with both actors to ensure no discomfort arose. Additionally, discussions regarding the level of nudity involved took place.
Miller’s Girl premiered on Netflix on April 25. Despite its intent to foster discussions on complex themes, it has faced criticism for potentially romanticizing inappropriate relationships. Financially, it didn’t perform well either. After premiering at the Palm Springs Film Festival, it had a weak theatrical run, grossing less than a quarter of its $4 million production budget.
The reviews were mixed, evidenced by a 29% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 58 reviews.
Miller’s Girl starring Jenna Ortega and Martin Freeman is coming to Netflix April 25. pic.twitter.com/pazLgYNgBs
— Netflix (@netflix) April 3, 2024
Miller’s Girl is now streaming on Netflix. Explore this provocative film to form your own opinions on its controversial themes. As it sparks debate and garners viewers, the film’s impact on cinema and culture unfolds.
Whether you find it enlightening or problematic, “Miller’s Girl” promises to be a conversation starter. Watch it now to join the discussion and see what all the buzz is about.
