Here’s Why Jenna Ortega’s ‘Miller’s Girl’ Was Delayed

Jenna Ortega has become quite the name in today’s entertainment scene. Ever since her standout performance in ‘The Fallout’ (2021), she’s been on a steady rise. Her role in Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’ further solidified her prominence.

However, her latest venture, ‘Miller’s Girl,’ a daring erotic thriller penned and helmed by Jade Halley Bartlett, showcased her in a notably bold manner. Critics were quick to applaud her acting prowess. The film hit theatres in the United States on 26th January 2024, courtesy of Lionsgate, with Netflix announcing its digital debut on 25th April.

Also Read: ‘Miller’s Girl’ Review: Bad, But Entertaining

Despite Ortega and Martin Freeman’s compelling performances, ‘Miller’s Girl’ failed to captivate the audience, scoring just 42% on Rotten Tomatoes. Ortega portrays Cairo Sweet, a young and talented student writer who catches the eye of her teacher, Jonathan Miller (played by Martin Freeman). The movie delves into their complex relationship, blurring lines and intertwining lives, as they confront their inner demons while striving to maintain their identities and values.

Fans eagerly awaited the film’s digital release on Netflix, but it was notably absent even four days after the scheduled date. Frustrated viewers took to Netflix’s official channels seeking answers but received no response. Finally, on 26th April, the film made its digital debut, dampening the excitement of fans who had been eagerly anticipating its release.

One aspect that drew considerable criticism was the significant age gap between Ortega and Freeman’s characters, which stood at 31 years in the movie. The portrayal of their relationship, particularly in intimate scenes, was met with disdain from both fans and critics alike, with many branding it as “inappropriate.”

Director Jade Halley Bartlett, however, praised the chemistry between Ortega and Freeman, attributing it to their understanding of the characters and their seamless rapport during filming. Despite Bartlett’s endorsement, the depiction of a sensual relationship between characters with such a vast age difference failed to resonate with the majority of the audience.