Martin Freeman has addressed the controversy surrounding a contentious sex scene featuring himself and Jenna Ortega in the film “Miller’s Girl.” The movie centers on a young woman, portrayed by Ortega, who becomes involved in a relationship with her significantly older teacher, played by Freeman, prompting discussions, particularly regarding the age gap between them.
Criticism of the film, particularly the intimate scene involving the 52-year-old Freeman and the 21-year-old Ortega, emerged from individuals who had not seen the movie or expressed disinterest in doing so, citing discomfort or labeling it as “weird.” Some speculated that the discomfort might be intentional within the context of the film.
Freeman addressed these reactions, noting how stories on various subjects could unfairly be judged by association. He questioned whether actors should be faulted for participating in films that tackle challenging topics, stating, “Are we gonna have a go at Liam Neeson for being in a film about the Holocaust?”
Upon its release, “Miller’s Girl” garnered mixed reviews from critics and didn’t achieve widespread success at the box office. However, with its recent acquisition by Netflix in the US, the film may reach a broader audience now that it’s available on a streaming platform. UK viewers have had access to the film on Prime Video since February 19th.
The intimacy coordinator for “Miller’s Girl” spoke up, affirming that Ortega felt comfortable during the filming of her sex scenes with Freeman. However, such discussions by intimacy coordinators should ideally have the actors’ consent, according to guidelines from the Screen Actors Guild.
Director Jade Halley Bartlett defended the film, acknowledging the knee-jerk reactions it received, especially after the release of the trailer. She described the movie as a “horror romance” and hoped audiences would recognize its nuanced portrayal of characters, avoiding simplistic categorizations. Bartlett emphasized the importance of portraying women with agency, challenging the archetype of the perfect victim as one-dimensional and uninspired.
In addition to his role in “Miller’s Girl,” Freeman has a second season of the critically acclaimed series “The Responder” set to premiere soon, with the first episode scheduled for May 5th.
