Jenna Ortega, known for her family-friendly roles, has taken on a more controversial project with the R-rated psychological thriller Miller’s Girl. The film, which had only a short run in theaters before moving to Netflix, has been met with mixed reactions due to its provocative content. Despite this, Miller’s Girl debuted at number 5 on Netflix’s Top 10 U.S. Movies chart, attracting a new audience for Ortega.
The film follows the story of an 18-year-old high school student, Cairo Sweet, who becomes romantically involved with her literature teacher, Jonathan Miller. The inappropriate relationship between the teacher and student, as well as the significant age gap between the two characters, has sparked controversy among viewers. Martin Freeman, who plays Jonathan Miller, addressed the controversy by noting the film’s nuanced approach to the subject matter.
Miller’s Girl has faced criticism for its depiction of a romance between Cairo and Jonathan, which many view as inappropriate and dangerous. While the film portrays the relationship in a fantasy-like manner, the underlying message is seen as problematic by some audience members. Despite these concerns, the film has gained attention for its bold storytelling and the performances of Ortega and Freeman.
After the success of Miller’s Girl, Ortega has a number of upcoming projects in the works. She is set to star in the comedy-drama romance Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, alongside her Wednesday co-star Percy Hynes White. The film will debut at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City in June. Additionally, Ortega will reunite with director Tim Burton for the sequel to the cult classic Beetlejuice, in which she plays the daughter of Winona Ryder’s character Lydia Deetz.
In addition to her work in more mature films like Miller’s Girl, Ortega is also filming the second season of Wednesday, the macabre comedy series in which she plays the title character. The show is expected to debut on Netflix in 2025, offering Ortega’s fans a chance to see her in a more light-hearted role. Despite her success in a variety of genres, Ortega continues to challenge herself with diverse and challenging projects that showcase her range as an actress.
