Jenna Ortega has swiftly emerged as a prominent figure in the slasher genre, captivating audiences with her diverse range of horror performances. Ortega began her career as a child actress on Disney Channel, gaining notable acclaim for her portrayal of Young Jane in the CW series Jane the Virgin from 2014 to 2019. Her breakthrough role came in 2019 when she portrayed Ellie Alves, Joe’s naïve neighbor, in the Netflix thriller series You. However, it was her performance as Wednesday Addams in Tim Burton’s adaptation, Wednesday, released in 2022, that truly solidified her status in the industry.
With the success of her recent horror roles, Jenna Ortega has indeed earned the title of “scream queen.”The year 2022 was pivotal for her career as she starred in several high-profile horror films, confirming her as the new face of terror. Her latest project, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, is a much-anticipated sequel to Tim Burton’s beloved 1988 film, demonstrating Ortega’s growing influence within the horror genre. While Ortega’s films come with a mix of strengths and weaknesses, their impact is undeniable as she continues to pave her way in this thrilling landscape.
8. American Carnage (2022)
Undocumented Minors Are Put in a Harrowing Situation
In the 2022 horror-comedy film American Carnage, Jenna Ortega takes on the role of Camila. The movie’s premise revolves around the children of undocumented immigrants who find themselves detained and facing dire consequences. They are given a chance to have their charges dropped by caring for the elderly, but the plan soon devolves into a terrifying ordeal that threatens everyone involved. This film manages to deliver important messages regarding immigrant rights and the struggles faced by Hispanic Americans, drawing parallels to films like Get Out. However, despite these ambitions, it falls short of impactful storytelling, as reflected in its 58% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
7. The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020)
A Teen Is Targeted by a Satanic Cult (Again)
As the follow-up to the 2017 cult hit The Babysitter, The Babysitter: Killer Queen sees Ortega star as Phoebe, a love interest in a tale that largely fails to capture the eccentric charm of its predecessor. The film revisits Cole, who finds himself once again pursued by his deadly babysitter and her satanic followers. While McG’s sequel attempts to blend horror and comedy, it ends up feeling predictable and formulaic, lacking the sharp wit that made the original stand out. Though the film was not well-received, Ortega’s performance is commendable, marking her transition into adult horror roles.
6. Studio 666 (2022)
The Foo Fighters Inhabit a Haunted House
In Studio 666, a horror-comedy featuring the rock band Foo Fighters, Jenna Ortega appears in a brief but memorable cameo. The narrative follows the band as they attempt to record an album in a haunted mansion, only to find themselves prey to malicious spirits. Despite its fun premise and potential for humor, the film garnered a lackluster 56% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, primarily due to uneven performances from the band members. Nevertheless, Ortega’s role as the singer of a previous band adds a layer of intrigue to the film’s unfolding chaos.
5. Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013)
A Father Is Possessed by His Childhood Demon
Jenna Ortega made her horror debut in Insidious: Chapter 2, directed by James Wan. The film continues the terrifying story of the Lambert family as they confront supernatural forces that haunt them. Set directly after the first film, it examines the effects of childhood trauma as Josh Lambert battles possession. Though she had a minor role as a child named Annie in a flashback sequence, Ortega’s initial foray into horror set the stage for her later success in the genre. Fans of Insidious can look forward to the 2023 sequel, Insidious: The Red Door, which extends the franchise’s chilling legacy.
4. Scream (2022)
Sisters Are Terrorized by Ghostface
The 2022 installment of the iconic Scream franchise marks a significant return to the series’ roots. Jenna Ortega portrays Tara Carpenter, whose encounter with the serial killer Ghostface pulls her estranged sister, Sam, back into the chaos of their hometown, Woodsboro. This film not only pays homage to the late Wes Craven but also reinvigorates the franchise with a modern take on horror tropes. With a blend of beloved legacy characters and fresh faces, Scream encapsulates what makes the series a classic while raising the stakes in a captivating narrative.
3. Scream VI (2023)
Ghostface Takes on New York
Building upon the excitement of its predecessor, Scream VI takes the franchise’s beloved characters into New York City. The film continues to follow Tara and Sam Carpenter, who, in a twist of fate, are hunted by Ghostface outside of Woodsboro. This installment heightens the tension and intricacy of the storyline, offering viewers an exhilarating experience with more brutal kills and complex character arcs. As one of Ortega’s standout performances, Scream VI continues the legacy of terror while introducing fans to a sleek and modern slasher narrative.
2. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
Jenna Ortega recently starred in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, directed by Tim Burton, as part of the sequel to the cult classic. In this new installment, the whimsical demon Beetlejuice returns to assist Lydia Deetz in rescuing her daughter Astrid from the afterlife. Combining nostalgic elements from the original with a heartfelt new storyline, the film has attracted both long-time fans and newcomers. Ortega shines with her character’s wit and sarcasm, contributing to the film’s overall success, which boasts a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and impressive box office returns exceeding $300 million.
1. X (2022)
A Movie Set Turns Bloody
In X, directed by Ti West, Jenna Ortega gives one of her most memorable performances as Lorraine. The narrative follows a group of filmmakers from the 1970s who, while shooting an adult film in a secluded farmhouse, encounter violent resistance from their eccentric hosts. X is praised for its homage to slasher films of the past, showcasing Ortega in a standout role that perfectly embodies her character’s transformation from vulnerable actress to desperate survivor. This film is undoubtedly Ortega’s crowning achievement in horror, earning acclaim for both its storytelling and nostalgic nods to the genre.
What’s Next for Jenna Ortega?
Moving forward, while Jenna Ortega has several exciting projects lined up, few will venture into the horror genre. She is set to star alongside Natalie Portman in The Gallerist, which revolves around an art dealer entangled in a bizarre scheme at Art Basel Miami. Additionally, Ortega will feature in Taika Waititi’s Klara and the Sun, a story about a robotic girl designed to alleviate loneliness.
Among her upcoming projects, the only horror film on the horizon is Death of a Unicorn, a comedic horror tale where she stars as a daughter involved in a fantastical mishap with a unicorn alongside her father, portrayed by Paul Rudd. While her future roles diverge from her traditional horror offerings, both this film and the continuing success of Wednesday highlight Ortega’s versatility and appeal.
How Does *Wednesday* Compare?
Though not primarily a horror series, obtaining a position in discussions surrounding Ortega’s horror credits is justified for Wednesday. As the titular character in this reimagined narrative of The Addams Family, Ortega’s performance plays a pivotal role in the show’s acclaim, garnering her nominations for prestigious awards including the Emmy and Golden Globe. Her portrayal of Wednesday embodies the character’s dark humor and gothic allure, showcasing Ortega’s range and further asserting her reputation as a versatile actress beyond the horror genre.
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