Martin Freeman Responds to Criticism Over “Miller’s Girl” Scenes with Jenna Ortega Amid Netflix Surge
Martin Freeman is speaking out about the controversy surrounding his role in “Miller’s Girl,” especially concerning the intimate scenes with co-star Jenna Ortega, as the film enjoys newfound popularity on Netflix.
Initially released in theaters in January, the movie sparked debate due to its exploration of the relationship between Freeman’s character, a teacher, and Ortega’s much younger student.
In real life, Freeman’s significant age gap with Ortega has drawn comparisons to the controversial themes explored in works like Vladimir Nabokov’s “Lolita.” “Miller’s Girl” follows Freeman’s character, Jonathan Miller, and Ortega’s Cairo Sweet, as their teacher-student relationship takes a complex turn when a writing assignment leads to an erotic story.
In an interview with The Times, Freeman addressed the criticism, particularly regarding the film’s intimate scenes, describing them as “grown-up and nuanced.” He emphasized that the movie does not celebrate or endorse such relationships but aims to tell a mature story.
Freeman acknowledged that narratives about challenging subjects can be contentious but argued that discomfort does not necessarily justify avoiding such topics in storytelling. However, some have expressed concerns that the film’s portrayal of Ortega as the initiator of the relationship could potentially undermine efforts to address real-life grooming cases, where accountability lies with the older party.
The production of “Miller’s Girl” employed an Intimacy Coordinator to ensure that both actors felt comfortable during the filming of intimate scenes. Coordinator Kristina Arjona emphasized the importance of respecting the actors’ boundaries and ensuring their comfort throughout the process.
Despite mixed reviews and modest box office earnings during its theatrical run, “Miller’s Girl” is now gaining attention on Netflix. It’s currently competing for the top spot on the streaming platform’s movie chart, indicating a surge in viewership and renewed interest in the film.
