Miller's Girl (2024)

Rating: ⭐⭐✩✩✩ (2 out of 5 stars)

 "Miller’s Girl" presents an intriguing premise: the exploration of a controversial relationship between a wise-beyond-her-years teenager and her intellectually undernourished teacher. This setup promises a deep dive into post-#MeToo power dynamics, but the film struggles to resonate beyond its initial appeal.

Written, produced, and directed by Jade Halley Bartlett, "Miller’s Girl" attempts to balance erudition with self-awareness. However, this balance is not fully realized. While Jenna Ortega delivers a standout performance as Cairo Sweet, Martin Freeman's portrayal of Jonathan Miller lacks depth, exposing shortcomings in the film's exploration of age and gender dynamics.

Cairo, a high school student longing for excitement, captivates her literature teacher, Jonathan. Their mentor-mentee relationship evolves into something more complex, but Bartlett's screenplay fails to delve into the nuances of their connection. Instead, the narrative leans on predictable tropes, diminishing its impact.

As the story unfolds, Jonathan's flaws and Cairo's manipulative tendencies lead to inevitable consequences. However, the film's treatment of these characters feels superficial, lacking the depth needed for meaningful exploration.

Despite its visually appealing cinematography and occasional moments of insight, "Miller’s Girl" falls short of delivering a compelling psychological thriller. Cairo's pretentious narration and Jonathan's misguided desires add little substance to a narrative already burdened by clichés.

In conclusion, "Miller’s Girl" fails to live up to its potential as a thought-provoking exploration of power dynamics. Trapped in a haze of predictable plot points and superficial characterizations, the film struggles to leave a lasting impression.

Rating: ⭐⭐✩✩✩ (2 out of 5 stars)