Miller's Girl is a film released in 2024 starring Jenna Ortega and Martin Freeman, who plays Bilbo Baggins in the films based on Tolkien's novel, The Hobbit. The film, which translates to "Miller's Girl," was in theaters in January and, perhaps boosted by Ortega's visibility due to the release of Beetlejuice, is now available on Amazon Prime. It deals with a romantic, and possibly sexual, relationship between a teenage student and her literature teacher, who is 20 years her senior. The film has sparked controversy because the actress's performance deviates from what her fans expect from her. But her contribution to her career is that she recreates a very young woman who, in addition to being brilliant, is cultured and, in an era where the immediacy of content seems to prevail, a "swallow" who reads books doesn't make a summer, but it does refresh the landscape.

Because it deals with a relationship between an adult man and a teenage girl, MILLER'S GIRL could be considered a story of forbidden love, though not like ROMEO AND JULIET, more like LOLITA, with its two adaptations, the 1962 and the 1997 versions. But if we shift our attention to another point of interest, MILLER'S GIRL is reminiscent of the protagonist of GOOD WILL HUNTING, also from '97. In that film, a brilliant young man finds his path in life after learning from a mentor who guides him, of course, in a completely non-physical relationship. Conversely, in MILLER'S GIRL, the girl seeks inspiration in a torrid affair with her literature teacher. Something like what happens in BASIC INSTINCTS, from '92. MILLER'S GIRL doesn't copy; it engages in dialogue with its cinematic references, and in that exchange, it showcases a Jenna Ortega who, at 20, proves capable of tackling complex and murky roles, like a femme fatale from a film noir. Of course, but only to be seen on screen, because if you encounter someone like her on the street, put some distance between you—any kilometer is too short for the danger she represents.

The shadow of pedophilia or abuse hangs over MILLER'S GIRL. Co-star Martin Freeman generally plays the good guy in his films. Jenna Ortega, for her part, has a number of horror films under her belt. In this one, MILLER'S GIRL, both characters succumb to temptation, but it is she who plots the most despicable acts. Jenna's character drives the story, sets the trap, and ensnares the predator. At times she plays the victim, but easily becomes the perpetrator. The role gives the actress the opportunity to showcase her range to her fans, justifying the good reputation she has been building and which will require more projects like this to solidify her career as a versatile and talented actress.