FILM & CULTURE OCT 2024
Blazer JEAN PAUL GAULTIER.
Total look JEAN PAUL GAULTIER.
CARVING A NEW PATH
Photos By KEVIN SINCLAIR Styling HALEY TJU Interview DAVID GARGIULO
As someone once said, "The greatest form of rebellion is to be different from the rest." Brianne Tju embodies this rebellious spirit both in her career and personal life. Renowned for her gripping performances in horror films like 47 Meters Down: Uncaged and Light as a Feather, Brianne has consistently challenged conventions and explored the darker, more intricate aspects of human nature.
Now, In Netflix’s Uglies, Brianne channels her rebellious energy into the role of Shay, a character whose resistance to societal beauty standards is a powerful act of defiance. Set in a dystopian future where citizens undergo extreme cosmetic surgery at age 16 to conform to a uniform standard of beauty, Uglies presents a world where appearance is everything and individuality is stifled. Brianne brings Shay to life as a fiercely independent figure, firmly rejecting the societal pressures to alter her appearance.
In this interview, Brianne discusses her approach to portraying this transformative character and shares her perspective on how streaming platforms have revolutionized storytelling. She also reflects on the progress of representation in Hollywood and reveals her excitement for exploring new genres, including a return to her comedic roots.
Total look JEAN PAUL GAULTIER.
“I think streaming has opened up more opportunities for filmmakers and creatives. It’s allowed for a wider range of diverse stories to be told, which helps with representation.”
— BRIANNE TJU
David Gargiulo __ In Uglies, your character, Shay, grapples with society's beauty standards. How did you approach playing a character who challenges such deeply ingrained ideals?
Brianne Tju __ I’m extremely inspired by Shay and her bravery in challenging her society’s ideals and expectations. I approached playing Shay by viewing her not as a supporting character. To me, she is a hero and deserves to be portrayed as one. Joey [King] and I worked hard to build a strong connection between our characters because Tally's friendship and love for Shay helped Shay realize she didn't want to be changed by the surgery. That female friendship is the catalyst for Shay uncovering her self-worth and autonomy. I had to tap into my own courage to challenge beauty standards and recognize my own value as an individual, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
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DG __ Having starred in horror films like 47 Meters Down: Uncaged and I Know What You Did Last Summer, what drew you to a dystopian story like Uglies, and how does it compare to your experiences in horror?
BT __ I read the book as a kid, so I was already a fan of the world and the source material. I love how this story, written over 15 years ago by Scott Westerfeld, feels more relevant now than ever. I was so excited when I got the audition, and honestly, I was really eager to work with Joey [King], who was already involved in the projects as Tally and Executive Producer. Even though I didn’t know her personally, I trusted her vision for bringing this story to life. I’ve always loved genre films because they give you room to use your imagination and experiment. At the end of the day, no matter the genre, we’re telling stories and I try to maintain that focus in every project I take on.
DG __ Your career has spanned diverse genres, from horror to drama. How do you decide which roles to take on, and what has been your most challenging genre to date?
BT __ More often than not, it comes down to auditioning and either getting the job or not. I do gravitate towards genre projects, and I think they tend to gravitate towards me. I’m honored to be part of world-building in these genres because they offer vast possibilities beyond what we experience in reality. Genre stories help convey unique narratives and highlight the themes in a distinctive way. I’m drawn to complex characters and duality, and I find that genre projects often allow for this exploration. My most challenging role was probably in Gone in the Night. I felt intimidated by the veteran cast, but that challenge made the project one of my most fulfilling experiences. I took risks with my choices, which was both scary and thrilling.
DG __ Light as a Feather explores supernatural themes, while Uglies delves into dystopian fiction. How do you see the role of fantasy and fiction in reflecting real-world issues?
BT __ Fantasy and fiction offer a unique space for exploration and imagination, which is incredibly exciting for actors and artists. They let us ask "what if" on a grand scale and challenge viewers to reconsider their perceptions of reality and explore alternative possibilities. Uglies presents an extreme version of what might happen if beauty standards and the pressure to fit in dominated our lives and society. It allows us to examine this issue under a microscope and dissect it in a nuanced, unique, and engaging way.
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DG __ Shay is a pivotal character in Uglies with a strong rebellious streak. How did you relate to her journey and find any parallels with your own life?
BT __ I’ve definitely had periods of rebellion in my life. At the beginning of the movie, Shay struggles with wanting to deviate from the norm of her world. I’ve faced similar challenges in my life, feeling out of place or not meeting typical expectations. Embracing individuality and living by your own principles can be scary, especially at a young age. As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned to strengthen my self-love and voice. I believe Shay’s journey is universal, and many people will either relate to or admire her free spirit and strength, just as I do.
DG __ You've worked on various projects across different platforms, from Hulu to Netflix. How do you think streaming has changed the landscape for actors and the types of stories being told?
BT __ I think streaming has opened up more opportunities for filmmakers and creatives. It’s allowed for a wider range of diverse stories to be told, which helps with representation. International stories are more accessible now, broadening our perspectives, challenging stigmas, and strengthening our empathy.
DG __ Your sister, Haley Tju, is also an actress. How does having a sibling in the same industry influence your career, and do you ever find yourselves sharing insights or advice?
BT __ Haley no longer acts and is in fact, my badass stylist. She’s amazing and inspires me every day with her passion, resourcefulness, and talent. When we were both acting, we were each other’s lifelines, as no one else in our family was in the entertainment industry to guide us. That mutual support was incredibly powerful. To this day, she understands me and my struggles in a nuanced way, and I feel so lucky to have that. She continues to challenge me to be better, both as an actor and as a person.
DG __ As an actress of Chinese and Indonesian descent, how important is representation in your roles, and how do you feel Hollywood is evolving in this regard?
BT __ Representation is incredibly important and I can’t stress that enough. Director Sean Wang, who made Didi, which I love, said that the key to a successful coming-of-age story is to highlight its specificity while maintaining a universal emotional experience. Representation has invigorated the entertainment industry and the content we consume, challenging ignorance by giving marginalized stories and people a voice. Hollywood has made significant progress, especially compared to when I was a kid. I used to feel there were limits to the roles I could play, but now it feels like the possibilities are endless. This shift is a reminder that Asian Americans are not monolithic; we are complex, diverse, and our stories deserve to be told. That said, much progress and equity is still needed both in front of and behind the camera. I like to think we’re heading in the right direction. We gotta keep fighting the good fight. It’s worth it for future generations.
DG __ Looking forward, are there any particular genres or types of roles you haven't explored yet but are eager to dive into?
BT __ I would love to do a rom-com and more comedy. I started out in this industry with comedy and in a way I’d like to go back to my roots. Comedy is challenging but incredibly fun, and it can be a great way to address darker topics with some levity. That said, I’m open to whatever opportunities come my way.