Jenna Ortega Calls This Horror Film Unlike Anything She’s Seen

Jenna Ortega has really made a name for herself in the horror world over the past few years. In 2022, she starred in major projects that cemented her love for the macabre. She helped revive the Scream franchise and took on a role in Ti West’s X, which paid homage to the gritty slashers of the 1970s.

But perhaps her biggest breakout came when she stepped into the role of Wednesday Addams in Tim Burton’s Netflix series, Wednesday. The show has been a huge hit, and Ortega has formed a strong creative bond with Burton, with many comparing her energy to Winona Ryder, who frequently collaborated with the director.

Their partnership deepened when Ortega played Ryder’s daughter in the sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, further immersing herself in gothic and dark storytelling. Ortega has said that playing Wednesday has even changed her personal style.

She told InStyle, “I do think that Wednesday changed my taste a lot, I have a hard time getting her off of me, at least clothing-wise.” Her love for horror isn’t just in her wardrobe; she has spoken openly about her admiration for classic and modern horror films, from Prom Night to The Witch.

One film stands out above all for her: Andrzej Żuławski’s 1981 psychological horror Possession. Ortega first watched the movie after a recommendation from Mikey Madison while filming Scream.

She explained to Rotten Tomatoes, “I really love Possession. It was actually a recommendation from Mikey Madison on the Scream set. Not only is it hauntingly beautiful, but also unlike anything I’d ever seen before.”

She appreciates movies that push boundaries and provoke strong emotional reactions. “I love watching a film and getting some kind of adrenaline out of it – that’s when I feel it’s done its job, when a film inspires you and gives you a bunch of ideas,” Ortega said.

The intensity of Possession has become legendary, with Isabelle Adjani’s performance in the film being especially demanding and reportedly affecting her mental health. Ortega is drawn to that level of commitment and raw storytelling, which continues to inspire her work.

Even with her horror roots, Ortega is exploring other genres. She has new sci-fi and drama projects lined up, including Taika Waititi’s Klara and the Sun, where she plays an artificial friend. Along with the upcoming season of Wednesday, Ortega is proving she can handle a range of roles and remains one of Hollywood’s most versatile young stars.

Her journey shows how a love for intense, boundary-pushing storytelling can shape an actor’s craft and personal style, and fans can expect her to keep surprising audiences in the years to come.

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