Miller’s Girl

Jade Halley Bartlett’s debut, Miller’s Girl, is a modern spin on the sexual thrillers that dominated in the 1990s. The catch is that there’s no actual sex here. Writer-director-producer Bartlett knows that the tension comes from the anticipation, not the release. Does the first-time filmmaker harness this knowledge into a stunning cinematic achievement, or does her lack of experience show?

Jonathan Miller (Martin Freeman) is a writer whose sole book did so-so sales. So, the man is now a creative writing teacher, which he finds little reward in. That is until Cairo Sweet (Jenna Ortega) begins his class. She shows up an hour early to class because Cairo “doesn’t like crowds.” In the course of getting to know his new pupil, Mr. Miller discovers that she has already read every book on the syllabus. Then Cairo’s best friend, Winnie (Gideon Adlon), who told her to take this class, walks in.

As the days go on, Cairo continues to impress her teacher. So, Mr. Miller gives the promising, bright student a heads up on the term paper. Cairo must write a short story in the style of her favorite author. She chooses a controversial writer whose novels are filled with graphic descriptions of sex. Of course, such an assignment comes with unforeseen repercussions.

“She chooses a controversial writer whose novels are filled with graphic descriptions of sex.”

From the beginning, Miller’s Girl captures the viewer’s attention with Ortega’s voice-over. The narration lays out what the character wants in a very mysterious way. This intrigue is cemented by the almost flirtatious banter between Mr. Miller and Cairo. Storywise, what pulls all watching to the conclusion is trying to figure out what Cairo wants and why. Obviously, no spoilers, but the ending is very satisfying.

Of course, such a film needs to have a cast that understands the nuances and themes at play. Ortega has already proven to be one of the best actresses of her generation, possibly even the best. She is magnetic, scary, and sexy as the manipulative upstart. Freeman has never been better, totally losing himself in the role. Their fantastic chemistry keeps audiences on edge to discover if they will give in to temptation. Adlon, one of her generation’s most underrated actors, is also tons of fun. A scene involving being drunk and making out is fascinating due to Ortega and Adlon’s handling of the material.

Miller’s Girl is a stunning debut from Bartlett. The plot is winding and intriguing, with an absolute gut punch of an ending. Ortega’s natural skills are on full display as she vacillates between alluring, conniving, intelligent, and funny. Freeman makes Miller’s unfulfillment believable, as is his desire to help the only bright student he’s encountered. The sexual thriller is alive and well, just minus the sex.