Reported by 4 sources

The short version

  • Mike Flanagan’s new 'Carrie' miniseries expands Stephen King’s story into an eight-hour narrative, adding significant plot and character development.
  • Critics praise the series for its modern take on bullying and alienation, with Summer H. Howell delivering a standout performance as Carrie.
  • The show balances horror elements with teen drama sensibilities, offering a kinder but equally intense exploration of the source material.

Mike Flanagan’s latest project, an eight-hour miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s 'Carrie,' has arrived to address the enduring relevance of teenage bullying and alienation in the digital age. While Brian De Palma’s 1976 film remains a cultural touchstone, Flanagan’s version seeks to expand the narrative scope, transforming a lean horror movie into a sprawling teen drama with supernatural elements. The series opens with the iconic gymnasium fire, but quickly spools backward to explore the lives of those involved, offering a deeper look at the characters behind the tragedy.

Summer H. Howell takes on the titular role of Carrie White, delivering a performance that critics have described as both vulnerable and terrifying. Found hiding in the 'prayer closet' with her mother Margaret, played by Samantha Sloyan, Howell captures the isolation and fear that define Carrie’s existence. The series delves into Carrie’s home life, revealing the abuse she suffers at the hands of her religious fanatic mother and the absence of a father figure who was killed at work. This backstory provides context for Carrie’s telekinetic outbursts, framing them as responses to prolonged trauma.

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Flanagan has added significant plot points and characters to flesh out the world of 'Carrie.' Unlike the film, which moves quickly from opening credits to climax, the series takes its time to develop the supporting cast. This expansion allows for a more nuanced portrayal of the bullies, who are no longer just elemental villains but complex individuals with their own motivations and flaws. Critics have noted that this approach makes the series 'kinder' than the original, perhaps intentionally, as it requires viewers to stay engaged with these characters over eight hours.

The theme of bullying is central to Flanagan’s adaptation, reflecting contemporary concerns about cyberbullying and social media. The Guardian review highlighted how the series updates the story for an era where 'Carriemaxxing'—a term used to describe the extreme levels of alienation and violence fueled by online interactions—is a reality. By setting the story in the modern age, Flanagan explores how technology amplifies the cruelty that Carrie faces, making her eventual retaliation feel both inevitable and tragic.

Slate praised the series as the best adaptation of King’s book since De Palma’s movie, citing its ability to balance horror with emotional depth. The show does not shy away from the violence inherent in the story, but it also focuses on the psychological impact of that violence on all characters involved. Episode 7, in particular, has been noted for its excruciating suspense, building tension through careful pacing and character development rather than relying solely on shock value.

However, not all reviews have been uniformly positive. Inverse described the series as 'unexpectedly great' until it wasn’t, suggesting that some narrative choices may not land as effectively as others. The expansion of the story introduces new subplots that, while interesting, occasionally distract from the core narrative. This unevenness is a common challenge in adapting short novels into long-form television, where filling hours can sometimes lead to bloated storytelling.

The visual style of the series pays homage to the original film while introducing modern cinematic techniques. The opening sequence, with its frantic 911 calls and scenes of the inferno, sets a tone of chaos and destruction that permeates the entire series. As the story unfolds, viewers are treated to interviews with survivors and students who knew Carrie, offering multiple perspectives on her character. These segments add a documentary-like quality to the narrative, enhancing its realism.

Flanagan’s decision to make 'Carrie' a teen drama with horror elements has been largely successful. The series explores themes of identity, belonging, and revenge in ways that resonate with contemporary audiences. By giving voice to the victims and perpetrators alike, the show invites viewers to reflect on the societal factors that contribute to bullying and violence. This approach aligns with Flanagan’s broader body of work, which often blends genre conventions with humanistic storytelling.

The casting choices have also been well-received, with comparisons drawn between the new cast and the stars of the original film. People.com featured side-by-side images highlighting the similarities and differences in portrayal. Howell’s interpretation of Carrie brings a new level of intensity to the role, capturing both her innocence and her capacity for destruction. This duality is essential to understanding Carrie’s journey from victim to avenger.

As the series concludes, it leaves room for potential continuation, with signs that seeds are being sown for a second season. While 'Carrie' is traditionally a self-contained story, Flanagan’s expansion of the universe suggests that there may be more to explore. Whether this will happen remains to be seen, but the success of the miniseries has certainly reignited interest in Stephen King’s classic tale.

Sources behind this briefing

Go to the original reporting

  • The Guardian US↗Carrie review – the teenage hell-raiser’s glorious return couldn’t come at a better time
  • Slate↗The New Carrie Is Easily the Best Adaptation of Stephen King’s Book Since De Palma’s Movie
  • People.com↗See the ‘Carrie’ Cast Side-by-Side with the Stars of the Original Film
  • Winter is Coming↗Review: Carrie episode 7 is excruciatingly suspenseful in the best of ways