Jenna Ortega was ‘sure of what she wanted to do’ for her X-rated sex scene with Martin Freeman in Miller’s Girl and was completely supported during filming, according to the movie’s intimacy coordinator, who has clapped back at claims the raunchy on-screen moment was ‘gross.’
Jenna, 21, plays 18-year-old student Cairo Sweet in the age-gap drama, while Martin, 52, takes on the role of her teacher Jonathan Miller.
Viewers were quick to express their unease at watching the Wednesday actress engaging in ‘uncomfortable’ sexual scenes with the Sherlock star who is 31 years her senior.
But intimacy coordinator Kristina Arjona has exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com that Jenna was involved in decisions about the curation of the racy moments, as she insisted that at no point were any ‘boundaries surpassed.’
‘There was many, many people throughout this process, engaging with [Jenna] to make sure that it was consistent with what she was comfortable with, and she was very determined and very sure of what she wanted to do,’ Kristina said.
An X-rated sex scene between Jenna Ortega and Martin Freeman in new film Miller’s Girl has been branded ‘gross’ by viewers due to their 31-year age gap
The intimacy coordinator who worked with both actors has confirmed that Jenna was ‘very determined and very sure of what she wanted to do’
Kristina Arjona told DailyMail.com that ‘informed consent’ was ‘consistent’ throughout filming with both Martin and Jenna
‘Part of my job too is supporting her decisions. I adapt to whatever is the comfort level of my actors, especially on a production like this where there is a large age gap between the actors.
‘I’m hyper aware of both of my talent and making sure that we’re consistently checking in and that at no point are any of their boundaries being surpassed. And again, making sure – especially with someone who’s significantly younger – that they are giving continuous consent.’
The film sees Cairo and Jonathan become entangled in a very complex and inappropriate relationship, with Cairo choosing to pen a sex story after being given a creative writing assignment by her tutor-turned-love interest.
Kristina discussed the ‘level of nudity’ with Jenna and Martin, as well as which ‘simulated sex scenes’ were required, before talking them through modesty garments and the ‘additional barriers’ they could use to ensure an ‘appropriate distance’ was maintained.
This information was also given to the actors in a written format 48 hours before the scenes were filmed, but Kristina stressed that they ‘also have the option on the day to change their mind if they don’t want to do any of the elements that we’ve discussed.’
She revealed there were ample discussions between cast and crew before the scenes were shot and that test audiences were used to give bosses an idea of what was ‘too much.’
‘For this film, in particular, because of the sensitivity of the content, they had some different variations of how they wanted to shoot these scenes so that audiences could watch them at test screenings to see what was too much.’
Martin plays a teacher named Jonathan Miller who forms a very close relationship with his student Cairo Sweet, played by Jenna
Kristina revealed that there were ample discussions between cast and crew before any scenes were filmed and when the cameras did roll, various alternatives were shot
Sherlock actor Martin bulked out for the film and had noticeably bigger biceps to play the role
Jenna’s character is seen smoking in quite a lot of scenes as she forms a complex relationship with her older teacher
However, viewers were quick to voice their disdain for the intimate scenes that ultimately ended up in the movie, with one simply writing: ‘I’m uncomfortable.’
Another wrote: ‘I think I am finally done watching these age gap movies. They are all gross and I am tired of it. No amount of Jenna Ortega or Martin Freeman could save this one for me [sic].’
Others defended the film – which was directed and written by Hollywood newcomer Jade Halley Bartlett, with one writing: ‘An erotic thriller starring Martin Freeman and Jenna Ortega lol like what were people expecting.’
Another wrote: ‘Apparently people are freaking out because Jenna Ortega kisses a girl in once scene, and assumes the doggy style position with Martin Freeman in another. Like guys, it’s a movie, she’s acting. Chill.’
A source also told DailyMail.com: ‘People need to get over the fact that Jenna is not Wednesday Adams and that she is a grown woman who is exploring serious roles as a talented actress.
‘The fact that this stirred the pot and is being labelled as gross is incredibly misogynistic.’
Director Jade Halley Bartlett pictured with Jenna and Martin at the world premiere screening of Miller’s Girl at the 35th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival last month
Martin’s role as a desirable teacher is a far cry from his previous acting credits, including the hapless Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit
Jenna appeared way more childlike when she took on the role of Wednesday Addams in the hit Netflix series Wednesday
Martin plays the part of a failed writer who turned to teaching after his attempts to find success as a published author fell short.
He sees a huge amount of untapped talent in Jenna’s Cairo, and, despite her increasingly inappropriate pursuits of him, chooses to risk his career and his marriage in order to try and help her succeed where he failed.
Jade has spent years trying to bring the movie to life – having earned a 2016 spot on the Black List, a platform that highlights unproduced screenplays and helps writers and producers to get their work on the big screen.
The film, which was written initially as a play by Jade in 2011, was released by Lionsgate in theaters on January 26, having premiered at the Palm Springs International Film Festival earlier this year.
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
