New Carrie series on Prime Video

A new series adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie has been released on Prime Video, directed by Mike Flanagan. This is the fourth adaptation of the story, which originally appeared as a novel by King and was adapted into a 1976 film by Brian De Palma.

Story and themes

Flanagan's version includes elements from the original novel and film, while incorporating a modern perspective on themes such as bullying, religion, and telekinesis. The series follows the story of Carrie White, a young girl raised by an authoritarian and religious mother.

Characters and setting

The series explores Carrie's difficult integration into high school, where she faces challenges such as school cliques, popularity, and menstruation. It also features secondary characters such as Chris, Sue, and Tommy, who are faithful to the original novel, as well as new characters such as a guidance counselor, a teacher, and a mysterious girl who claims to be Carrie's friend.

Familiar scenes and performances

The series includes some of the most famous scenes from the 1976 film, such as the shower scene, the confrontation between Carrie and her mother, Carrie's rage, the prom scene, and the humiliation with pig's blood. These scenes are presented in a format that may surprise viewers, but they do not diminish the power of Carrie's telekinetic abilities or the performance of Summer H. Howell, who portrays Carrie.

Themes and character development

The series also addresses the consequences of bullying, including a suicide and the role of social media, which are highlighted throughout the eight episodes. The cast is described as effective, with some notable performances, although the portrayal of Carrie's mother, Margaret, is somewhat disappointing.

Cast and adaptation style

The series features a strong cast, including Amber Midhunter and Matthew Lillard, and incorporates elements from the 1970s, such as the title. Flanagan's adaptation is praised for respecting the character of Carrie, drawing from the universe of De Palma's film, and incorporating elements from King's novel that were previously overlooked. The series is recommended for its approach and the performance of Summer H. Howell, with potential for future expansions of the story's universe.