By: Mariah Thomas
When the news dropped online that Mike Flanagan would be adapting Stephen King’s novel Carrie, there was an immediate divide in opinion. Though he had widely known films prior, Flanagan really became a household name in the horror world after 2018’s “The Haunting of Hill House.” He kept that momentum going with yearly releases following: Doctor Sleep, “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” “Midnight Mass,” “The Midnight Club” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.” These projects went on to be widely beloved and pivotal to the horror community. The “Carrie” series announcement had many ready to trust and anticipate his vision while others believed the film Carrie (1976) should not be touched. After viewing the series, it is crucial that both adaptations exist. Though the plot points are the same, the era they exist in are ever-changing. The Carrie film offers a glimpse into high school bullying and the motivations that play into it. How that looked in 1976 differs to what it looks like in 2026. Not every film needs a reboot or modern adaptation, but “Carrie” serves a bigger purpose.
Mike Flanagan’s series “Carrie” mostly follows the same narrative we’ve known of the book Carrie story through film and King’s novel; however, the changes are culturally significant. The biggest being the lens we watch the story through unfolding via social media. Carrie White (Summer H. Howell) has lived a secluded and smoldered life being sequestered by her mother Margaret (Samantha Sloyan). When she is finally given the chance to attend a real school, Carrie is beyond delighted for the experience. She is pure of heart and too trusting. She ultimately befriends seniors Chris Hargensen (Alison Thorton), Tina (Josie Totah) and Sue (Siena Agudong). Sue, at times, seems genuine in her pursuit of befriending Carrie but it is clear that Chris and Tina have ulterior motives…pushing towards the scene we all know too well. Carrie gets her first period in the gym class locker room and panics thinking something is wrong with her. The other girls laugh and taunt her over her confusion. In this iteration, many are quick to whip out their phones and record the moment. This inevitably leads Chris creating an anonymous account entitled “Carrie Red” to post the video and other submissions from other students about everyone and anyone. It soon becomes a phenomenon that ruins lives and people’s ability to feel safe at school. As Carrie continues to find herself and build new relationships, everything comes crumbling down on prom night.
From the start I was excited for Mike Flangan’s adaptation as I am a part of those who trusted his horror vision for the project. After watching the series, I firmly believe he and Guillermo del Toro should have the freedom to adapt whatever film or novel they want as they are some of the most brilliant minds this genre has ever seen. Flanagan, himself, directed four episodes with the remaining four being directed by Kate Siegel, Kyra Sedwick, Hiromi Kamata and Axelle Carolyn. I admire that he intentionally made space for women to tell this story. There is almost a deeper understanding to the episodes directed by the women named above. Additionally, this series is more in line with setting up a horror atmosphere that stays consistent throughout.
I admire the original Carrie (1976) film for its whimsical charm, vibrant colors and incredible performances from the likes of Sissy Spacek to Piper Laurie. However, this new adaption takes the story to depths not even touched in the first version. This one beautifully sets up so many sectors of nuance. Though you know what she is doing is atrocious, as the viewer you feel at times for Chris Hargensen. On the outside, Carrie’s mother is always in the wrong but in this there is a flipped perspective. Although, just as fast as it flips to have you on her side, it flips back. Samantha Sloyan is one of the main highlights for me as Margaret White. I previously was a fan of her work in Flanagan’s other projects, but she really steals the show here. Summer H. Howell’s version of Carrie will also break audiences’ hearts wide open.
So much love and care went into every aspect of the series “Carrie” – from the incredible soundtrack, to acting performances and directing choices. This is a project where all you can do is admire every element as it’s happening. This is a great adaptation and I hope this is the general consensus most come to when watching this. All versions of this story can exist and hold space for their individual societal contributions. This is a series that is absolutely worth the time to get into as it leaves room for the story to continue in a new way while also concluding the Carrie story we all know and love. The plot changes to Mike Flanagan’s “Carrie” adaptation show how Stephen’s King original novel transcends time by adapting to a modern world.