Jenna Warren experienced a thrilling moment when she spotted herself in the trailer for the upcoming film “Thanksgiving,” In a TV interview, she described the set’s atmosphere as intense yet enjoyable, emphasizing the vital connections among the cast and crew, enriching the filming process. In Eli Roth’s horror movie “Thanksgiving,” Jenna took on a supporting role in a talented cast that features Patrick Dempsey, Rick Hoffman, Gina Gershon, and Addison Rae. Her character, Yulia, is central to the leading friend group around which the film’s chaos and murders unfold. The story is set in a small town and follows a group of high school students played by Addison Rae, Nell Verlaque, Tomaso Sanelli, Jalen Thomas Brooks, Milo Manheim, and Gabriel Davenport. Jenna highlighted the importance of grasping Eli Roth’s vision for the film, praising his collaborative style while also retaining a clear directorial perspective. One particularly intense scene involving corn skewers was challenging and exciting to shoot, requiring multiple takes to get it right.
Jenna Warren’s performance as Yulia is outstanding. She brings lively energy, extroversion, and diva-like traits to the character. Jenna adeptly explores the complexities of Yulia, highlighting her intense loyalty to friends and her significant reliance on her boyfriend, Scuba, a football player expected to return in the sequel. Despite Scuba’s efforts, he cannot protect her from the film’s villain, John Carver. Yulia’s father, depicted as a cold and domineering Russian figure, adds further depth to her character. In one of the film’s most shocking and brutal moments, John Carver horrifically kills Yulia by first piercing her ears with corn skewers and then dragging her into the kitchen, where he uses a chainsaw on her. Scuba’s presence during this terrifying scene and his inability to help because of a gun malfunction heighten the tension and horror.
Although easily startled, Jenna greatly admires horror films and invested time in examining Eli Roth’s earlier works to prepare for her role in Thanksgiving. She approaches her characters with a commitment to realism, immersing herself fully in the role and setting aside any concerns about the audience. Jenna’s dedication to authenticity is evident in her performances, as she consistently provides convincing and engaging portrayals that connect with viewers. While she is interested in how the audience will react to the film and the killer’s identity, Jenna focuses on delivering a sincere performance during filming. She expresses both enthusiasm and appreciation for her role in Thanksgiving and looks forward to sharing the film with viewers.
Jenna has consistently recognized that acting is her true passion. At just ten years old, she secured her first leading role in the animated series “Justin Time,” where she provided the voice for the character Olive. This Emmy-nominated and three-time award-winning show, broadcast on Disney Jr, PBS, and Sprout, marked the beginning of Jenna’s successful acting journey. Since then, Jenna has taken on significant roles in feature films, including “The Family,” a psychological thriller by Dan Slater that debuted at the Busan International Film Festival in October 2021, and Sheila Pye’s coming-of-age psychological thriller “The Young Arsonists,” which premiered at TIFF 2022. From her early days in voice-over work, Jenna has gradually developed a diverse and impressive body of work in the entertainment field. Her commitment to her craft and ability to infuse depth and nuance into various characters have solidified her position as a rising star to watch.