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Originally published in IN Digital Cover, SS 2022

Photography: Samantha Annis (@samanthannis)
Interview: Isis Nicole (@theisisnicole)
Styling: Haley Tju (@haleytju)
Makeup: Robert Ryan (@robertti)
Hair: Brianne Tju (@briannetju)

Actress Brianne Tju can play a role with the best of em’. Her next two films—The Cow with Winona Ryder, Dermott Mulroney, and John Gallagher Jr., and Uglies with Keith Powers and Chase Stokes—are both energizing, the former a thriller about a mysterious younger couple, the latter a dystopian fantasy film based on Scott Westerfeld’s international bestseller teen novel.

“I feel lucky to work with so many inspiring people and do what I love,” Tju says over email following her attendance at The Cow premiere during the 2022 SXSW Conference and Festivals at ZACH Theatre. “The Cow felt like new territory for me which I found exciting,” she continues. “It was a character I’d never played before and I was surrounded by people who had such an incredible vision. I had to step up my game to act.”

Tju sees her character development as proof of growth. “For me, growth and success is a spiral staircase,” she says. “It can feel like you’re going in a circle but gradually you rise up and up.” You can watch Tju currently on Amazon’s TV adaptation of I Know What You Did Last Summer and in Jared Frieder’s coming-of-age drama, Three Months alongside Troye Sivan, streaming on Paramount+.

Off duty, the Chino, California raised starlet by way of Indonesia, keeps it chill by knitting, getting lost in a show, and hanging out with friends. Discussing her perspective on film, fame and family, here’s how her most meaningful storyline on and off screen plays out.

Isis Nicole: How does it feel to be on the rise?

Brianne Tju: For me, growth and success is a spiral staircase. It can feel like you’re going in a circle but gradually you rise up and up. Sometimes I remember to look down and appreciate the progress I’ve made. It feels good, I feel like I deserve it. I’m enjoying it.

IN: When did you realize you wanted to be on the big screen?

BT: I started doing commercials and print at a young age. I’ve always loved performing. I grew up as a dancer. Around the age of 11, I realized I wanted to pursue acting on a bigger scale. I’ve always love film and television and as soon as I realized that that was a legitimate career to pursue, I did.

IN: What's the best part of having a sibling who's also an actress?

BT: I don’t have to explain myself and my experiences. She just gets it. I don’t have to perform for her. I just get to be me.

IN: How do you prepare for telling a story in genres like Horror and Comedy?

BT: It’s a tone. Understanding the tone of the show is important, but essentially I approach every role the same. I build a character and try to make their presence in the world and the specific situations they’re in feel authentic. I tend to watch TV and film that fits the genre to set the mood for myself. And music is a good vibe-setter.

IN: What do you do to relax?

BT: I like to knit, get lost in a show, and hang out with friends. Checking out from work and enjoying the real world is important and something I have to remind myself to do.

Bra, underwear, & shirt: Marina Leight Atelier

IN: What deep pushes do you want to see in the world of film?

BT: I’d love to see diverse and authentic storytelling. I don’t want to see diversity taken advantage of as a trend that leads to tokenism. I want to see inclusion on and off the screen.

IN: Do you have a dream Asian American series or movie that you would love to star in or direct? Personally, I would love an A24 film or HBO series following characters who work in those lowkey coffee shops that are like Hooters.

BT: I love that idea! Especially if it were written and directed by women. I would love to be a part of an Asian-centric story that focuses on children whose parents’ are immigrants. It’s a story I’ve lived. I would love to use my experiences to tell a nuanced story that people can identify with. Especially one that could help create empathy and provide insight for those who haven’t lived that exact experience.

Bra: Marina Leight Atelier, Coat: Jeremy Williard @pinkrocktailor , shoes: Chanel

IN: What has been your most exciting project thus far?

BT: It’s hard to pick my favorite or the most exciting project. Each project is so unique. I feel lucky to work with so many inspiring people and do what I love. The Cow felt like new territory for me which I found exciting. It was a character I’d never played before and I was surrounded by people who had such an incredible vision. I had to step up my game to act alongside the likes of Winona Ryder, Dermott Mulroney, and John Gallagher Jr. I liked the challenge.

IN: What do you want to be remembered for?

BT: I’d like to be remembered for being professional, giving, collaborative, and not afraid to try something new. I don’t care about fame, I care about the stories I tell and the people they touch.

IN: What are you working on next?

BT: I’m excited for The Cow and Uglies to come out. I’m currently working on a show called High School with Clea Duvall which is the Tegan and Sara story. I’m thrilled to be able to work with such cool and inspiring women.

Follow @briannetju on Instagram

Acting Out, Brianne Tju