Carrie review: the teenage hellraiser's glorious return couldn't come at a better time, as Mike Flanagan's new TV series reimagines Stephen King's classic for a modern audience. The automatic response to news that a stone-cold classic is being remade is often 'Why?' But in this case, the question is not why remake but why it has taken this long.
In an accompanying letter to critics, Flanagan promises that this was the first question he asked himself when approached about the project. Why mess with perfection – in this case, Brian De Palma's horror film, based on and nearly eclipsing Stephen King's debut novel about a telekinetic teen, that has been gloriously shocking audiences for half a century?
Why Remake Carrie Now?
Why remake Carrie, a story of teenage bullying, alienation and the vengeful violence it can fuel, for the modern age? Babe, look around! We've got the internet now. We've taken teenage bullying, alienation and the fuelling of vengeful violence to levels that De Palma and King, with all their vaunted capacity for darkness, could never have imagined.
We are, to use a construction popular among the very youth of whom we are speaking, Carriemaxxing these days. The question is not why remake but quite why it has taken this long. De Palma's masterpiece is a lean, mean thing, taking just 98 minutes to move from opening credits to high-school mass barbecue. Flanagan's is an eight-hour series (and there are signs of seeds being sowed for a second already), so much in the way of plot and character development is added.
Carrie TV Series vs. Original Film
How does the new series compare to the original? Here's a quick breakdown:
| Aspect | Original Film (1976) | New TV Series (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime | 98 minutes | 8 hours |
| Director/Creator | Brian De Palma | Mike Flanagan |
| Focus | Lean, mean horror | Expanded character study |
| Cultural Relevance | Classic shock value | Modern bullying and alienation |
Key Takeaways from the New Carrie
- Expanded storytelling: The series format allows for deeper exploration of characters and themes.
- Modern relevance: Bullying and alienation are more prevalent than ever in the digital age.
- Flanagan's touch: Known for his nuanced horror, Flanagan brings a fresh perspective.
- Glorious return: Carrie remains a powerful figure, and this adaptation does her justice.
FAQ
Is the new Carrie TV series a remake or a reboot?
It is a remake of the classic story, but expanded into an eight-hour series format. It stays true to the source material while adding modern elements.
Who is the creator of the new Carrie series?
Mike Flanagan, known for his work on horror series like The Haunting of Hill House, is the creator.
Why is Carrie relevant today?
With the rise of cyberbullying and social media, the themes of teenage alienation and vengeful violence are more pertinent than ever.
In conclusion, the new Carrie TV series is a glorious return for the teenage hellraiser. It couldn't come at a better time, as we grapple with the dark side of modern adolescence. Flanagan's adaptation is a must-watch for fans of horror and social commentary alike.