Miller's Girl is a 2024 American erotic thriller film written and directed by Jade Halley Bartlett. The film stars Jenna Ortega as Cairo Sweet, an 18-year-old student, and Martin Freeman as her creative writing teacher, Jonathan Miller. The story unfolds in a wealthy Tennessee mansion where Cairo lives alone while her parents are away on business.
The plot centers around Cairo's complex relationship with Miller, which begins after she impresses him with her writing skills in class. As part of a college admission essay assignment for Yale University, Cairo struggles to find a topic worthy of her achievements. Encouraged by her friend Winnie to explore the thrill of a teacher-student affair, Cairo attempts to seduce Miller, leading to a series of manipulative and provocative events.
After submitting a provocative story that Miller deems unacceptable, Cairo retaliates by sending it to the school's vice principal, resulting in an investigation into their relationship. This incident causes significant fallout for both characters, including Miller's suspension and strain on his marriage to Beatrice (Dagmara Domińczyk), who is depicted as emotionally unavailable and more successful than her husband.
The film explores themes of power dynamics, obsession, and the consequences of crossing ethical boundaries in relationships. It has been noted for its intense character development and the moral complexities faced by both Cairo and Miller as they navigate their feelings and societal expectations.
Miller's Girl premiered at the Palm Springs Film Festival on January 11, 2024, before being released theatrically in the United States by Lionsgate on January 26, 2024. Despite mixed reviews from critics regarding its pacing and content, the performances of Ortega and Freeman have been praised for their depth and emotional resonance. The film has a runtime of 93 minutes and was produced on a budget of $4 million, grossing approximately $1.167 million at the box office.
Overall, Miller's Girl presents a provocative narrative that challenges viewers to consider the implications of desire and the blurred lines between teacher-student relationships within a contemporary context.