If you’ve spent any time on Netflix or Hulu lately, you’ve definitely seen her. That look of pure, unadulterated terror—or maybe the one where she’s about to punch a monster in the face. Brianne Tju has become one of those actors who just pops on screen. Honestly, she’s everywhere. From being the heart of a slasher reboot to surviving a claustrophobic shark nightmare, her resume is basically a "what’s what" of modern genre storytelling.
But it wasn't always screams and jumpscares.
Brianne actually started out in the bright, over-caffeinated world of Disney and Nickelodeon. Think Cory in the House and Liv and Maddie. It’s a wild trajectory, going from sitcom laughs to becoming a bona fide "Scream Queen." People often overlook that middle ground where she was just a working actor taking guest spots on Grey's Anatomy and 9-1-1. She paid her dues.
The Breakthrough: From Scream to Light as a Feather
Most people first really clocked who she was during the MTV Scream era. She played Riley Marra. You remember Riley—the sweet, nerdy fan-favorite who (spoiler alert) met a tragic end that genuinely upset the fandom. It was a turning point. It proved she could handle the emotional weight of a horror lead, not just the "best friend" tropes.
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Then came Light as a Feather on Hulu.
As Alex Portnoy, she wasn't just a victim; she was complex. The show ran for two seasons and basically cemented her as a go-to for YA thrillers. It’s a weirdly addictive show if you haven't seen it—basically Final Destination meets a teenage slumber party. Brianne brought a level of grounded reality to a plot that, let's be real, was sometimes a bit "out there."
47 Meters Down: Uncaged and the Big Screen
Movies are a different beast. In 2019, she starred in 47 Meters Down: Uncaged. If you have even a slight fear of the ocean, this movie is a nightmare. She played Alexa, one of the four girls trapped in a submerged Mayan city with great white sharks.
- The Physicality: She’s talked before about how grueling this shoot was. Underwater acting isn't just about the lines; it's about holding your breath while looking terrified.
- The Reception: While critics were split on the movie itself, Brianne was frequently cited as a standout for her high-energy performance.
Why Everyone Is Talking About Uglies (2024)
Fast forward to the present day. Her role as Shay in the Netflix adaptation of Uglies is probably her biggest platform yet. Starring alongside Joey King, she plays the rebel who refuses to conform to a society that demands physical perfection at age 16.
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It’s meta, honestly. Brianne has been very vocal in interviews about the "degrading" process of becoming a "Pretty" for the film. They spent hours discussing her hair, the size of her features, and covering her tattoos. She’s mentioned that seeing herself transformed into a generic version of "beautiful" was actually heartbreaking because it stripped away her individuality. That’s the kind of depth she brings—she isn't just playing a character; she’s feeling the weight of the story’s message.
The Hidden Gems You Might Have Missed
If you only know her from the big hits, you’re missing some of her best work. She’s done some smaller, grittier projects that show way more range than a typical blockbuster allows.
- Three Months (2022): She plays Dara, the best friend to Troye Sivan’s character. It’s a coming-of-age movie about a teen waiting for HIV test results. It’s quiet, it’s funny, and Brianne is incredibly charming in it.
- Unhuman (2022): This is a Blumhouse flick where she plays Ever. It’s basically The Breakfast Club meets a zombie apocalypse. It’s campy, it’s gory, and she carries the whole thing.
- Gone in the Night: She stars with Winona Ryder. Need I say more? It’s a twisty thriller where she plays Greta, a character she later described as one of her most challenging roles to date.
What’s Next for Brianne Tju?
As of 2026, she isn't slowing down. There’s a lot of chatter about her moving more into the "indie darling" space while keeping one foot in the major streaming world. She’s expressed interest in lifting up marginalized voices and taking on characters that don't fit into a "neat and tidy box."
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Basically, if her name is on the call sheet, it’s probably worth a watch. Whether she's running from a killer or navigating the complexities of high school, she has this way of making you care about what happens to her.
What to do next:
If you want to see her at her best, start with Three Months for the heart, then hit Unhuman for the horror. It'll give you the full spectrum of what she can do. You can also track her current projects on Netflix—Uglies is usually trending if you want to see her latest big-budget turn.