The Unexpected Depths of an Illicit Affair

Read Time:4 Minute, 1 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Miller’s Girl
–

Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Jade Halley Bartlett
Writer(s): Jade Halley Bartlett
Cast: Martin Freeman, Jenna Ortega, Gideon Adlon, Bashir Salahuddin, Dagmara Domińczyk, Christine Adams
Where To Watch: will arrive in select theaters January 26, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: What an experience! MILLER'S GIRL, directed by Jade Halley Bartlett and starring the incredible duo of Jenna Ortega and Martin Freeman, I was prepared for a clichéd journey through forbidden romance. Yet, to my delight, the film veers off the beaten path, offering an unexpected twist on a familiar theme. As the film's nuanced narrative unfolded, it became evident that Ortega and Freeman's risky role choices were entirely worth it!

Ortega ventures into uncharted territory with MILLER'S GIRL. She plays Cairo Sweet, a young woman embarking on her educational journey and finding herself in a class taught by disillusioned writer-turned-educator Jonathan Miller (Martin Freeman). Miller's underwhelming writing career and struggles with his projects, notably the lukewarm reception to his book "Apostrophes and Ampersands," finds a flicker of hope within Cairo's passion for writing.

The plotline delves into the complex and morally ambiguous relationship between Cairo and her professor. However, don’t be so quick to judge and think you know what you’re getting in this story, especially with Ortega’s performance of Sweet.

The narrative features Miller's lifeless marriage to acclaimed author Beatrice (Dagmara Domińczyk); this parallel only increases his fascination with Cairo. Cairo's journey of self-discovery, tinged with rebellion, adds depth to her character. This ends up being a journey of the unexpected and, at times, the unexplained. It’s vital to put the film's story into context of what is happening (and maybe what isn’t.) I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Gideon Adlon's performance as Winnie, who isn’t the story's main focus but delivers an authentic and antagonistic counter to Ortega in the film.

The central storyline between Cairo and Miller has a depth and intensity one might expect from such a provocative premise. The film offers a fiery blend of psychological tension and romance; however, if I were to change one thing, I would have wanted to see the experience take the next step and deliver a genuine genre-redefining film.

The significant age gap between Ortega and Freeman's characters adds an element of discomfort, seemingly critiquing the 'young temptress' stereotype. This is one of those experiences where the feelings you’re forced to deal with on-screen are part of the evolution of the story.

This bold storytelling approach positions MILLER'S GIRL as a transformative work in cinema, a film that provokes thought and challenges societal norms. It cautions you against assuming you know what the story being delivered is. Ortega, in particular, demonstrates her versatility in a role that stretches her acting capabilities. Ultimately, some people will make assumptions about this film based on its synopsis, and while it isn’t perfect, it has plenty to say!

MILLER'S GIRL finds itself at a defining moment; I’ll be curious to see how audiences respond to the film. The film's capacity for meaningful engagement with its themes will shape its enduring impact on Ortega's career trajectory and the film industry. The actual effect of MILLER'S GIRL in reshaping societal attitudes and perceptions is yet to be determined, but it undoubtedly marks a step toward an intriguing cinematic direction.

For more reviews, please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestmr.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of LIONSGATE, GOOD UNIVERSE, POINT GREY PICTURES]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.