From commanding attention in the fashion world to delivering captivating performances on screen, Brianne Tju is a name that resonates with creativity, power, and authenticity. As she prepares for the release of her latest film, “UGLIES”, on Netflix, Brianne’s career is reaching new heights. Starring opposite Joey King, Brianne takes on the role of Shay in this dystopian drama, based on the bestselling Scott Westerfeld novel, where her character challenges society’s norms and embraces her true self.

Brianne’s resume speaks volumes about her range and dedication. She can be seen in “47 Meters Down: Uncaged”, where she stars in the emotionally and physically demanding role of Alexa alongside John Corbett and Nia Long. Tju has gained a loyal fan base from her performances on MTV’s “Scream: The TV Series” and Disney Channel’s “Liv and Maddie”. Her additional credits include roles in “Life After First Failure”, “iZombie”, “A.P. Bio”, “Chicago P.D.”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, and “9-1-1”, Raised in Chino, California, and coming from an Indonesian background, Brianne’s family has been the cornerstone of her success, inspiring her to follow her dreams and believe in herself. In this exclusive interview, Brianne opens up about her journey in Hollywood, her love for fashion, and how she stays grounded amid the spotlight.

Elle Taylor: Brianne, congratulations on your upcoming film “UGLIES”. Can you tell us what drew you to the character of Shay and what you enjoyed most about playing her?

Brianne Tju: Thank you so much! This is still so surreal for me. I was drawn to Shay immediately when I read the book in elementary school. I loved how rebellious and brave she was. She’s curious, a loyal friend, and a critical thinker. Her willingness to operate outside of the mainstream to embrace her individuality is so inspiring. I loved allowing myself to be confident yet vulnerable in Shay’s shoes. Honestly, building such a strong friendship between Tally and Shay was my favorite part by far.

Elle Taylor: You’ve worked on a range of projects, from horror to drama. How did your previous roles, like Alex in “Light as a Feather”, prepare you for Shay’s character in “UGLIES”?

Brianne Tju: I feel like Shay is pretty singular in terms of the characters I’ve played, but every job teaches me something. I’m so curious about the human condition, and with every character, I feel like I discover another little corner of humanity that I hadn’t experienced before.

Elle Taylor: “UGLIES” touches on themes of beauty standards and individuality. How did those themes resonate with you personally?

Brianne Tju: These themes are very prevalent in my life. As a young woman on social media, I definitely struggle to follow beauty trends and standards. As I get older, I try to think more critically about what makes me feel good. Finding your individuality in a world that constantly tries to shape you into the “ideal” is hard but definitely worth the effort. Every day, I try to work on my self-acceptance and self-love, which bleeds into everything we do as people.

Elle Taylor: You’ve also been making waves in fashion. How does fashion play a role in your self-expression, both on and off the red carpet? And who are your favorite designers?

Brianne Tju: I love using fashion as a way to express myself. I’m a cozy girl, so when I feel comfortable, I feel the most confident, but I love to take risks. My sister, Haley Tju, is my stylist, and she pushes me to try new things and explore. In my day-to-day, I’m mostly functional, and I try to buy used or vintage. I like mixing colors and silhouettes. Some days I feel edgier, and other days I feel girlier. There are so many major and indie brands that I love. Right now, Loewe is a huge inspiration.

Elle Taylor: You’ve starred in everything from thrillers to teen dramas. What genre excites you most as an actor, and why?

Brianne Tju: I love genre films. I think it adds an element to the storytelling that gives room to explore the themes of the story in an interesting way. I love horror/thriller because you get to play with your imagination, but I’m mostly drawn to story and characters, regardless of the genre.

Elle Taylor: Working with Joey King must have been incredible. What was the dynamic like between you two on set?

Brianne Tju: I feel so lucky because Joey and I have become very close in real life, which started on set. The support we showed each other throughout shooting was so important, and I think that showed onscreen as well. We had so much fun on and off set, which gave me the freedom and comfort that I needed. She is so inspiring as an actor and person, and I’m so grateful to call her my friend.

Elle Taylor: You’ve had so much success at a young age. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?

Brianne Tju: To take care of myself. If your cup is empty, you can’t do your best work or be your best self. It’s a journey, but I’m learning to set my boundaries and stand by them.

Elle Taylor: Mental health is something you’ve spoken about before. How do you stay balanced with such a demanding career?

Brianne Tju: Reminding myself that I’m worthy and I don’t need to have a scarcity complex is really important for me to remember. I try to make time for myself and take care of myself. I do yoga, therapy, and take my medication. Breaks from social media are super beneficial. Spending time outside of LA and with my friends and family is huge for me.

Elle Taylor: You’ve been praised by outlets like “Variety” and “Fiction Horizon” for your on-screen presence. How does that recognition feel, and how do you handle the pressure to keep excelling?

Brianne Tju: I’m trying to take it all in, but it’s overwhelming. I’m so grateful, and I want to enjoy all the success from “UGLIES”. In this industry, it’s hard not to think about what’s next, but I don’t know what’s next. I’m just taking it day by day and staying open to what comes my way.

Elle Taylor: From “Unhuman” to “Gone in the Night”, you’ve taken on roles that push boundaries. What kind of roles do you hope to pursue in the future?

Brianne Tju: I want to keep playing complex characters and lifting up marginalized stories and voices. I want to create and collaborate with passionate people. I try to let these factors be my guiding light in the choices I make.

Elle Taylor: Lastly, we always ask our talent: What does it mean to you to be in love?

Brianne Tju: It means being able to be your truest self. Feeling safe and loved for all parts of myself and showing up for the people I love.

As Brianne Tju continues to captivate audiences with her fearless roles and style, she remains a shining example of what it means to be confident, bold, and authentically yourself. With the release of “UGLIES”, it’s clear her journey is only just beginning, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for this unstoppable talent.

Words by Elle Taylor