By: Mariah Thomas
Not long after the release of Amazon Prime’s show “Carrie,” Peacock dropped their “Crystal Lake” series that is a retelling of 1980’s film Friday the 13th. Lately we’ve seen more original adaptations in comparison to remakes or late sequels. I think this wave of storytelling allows beloved films and books to unlock new depths. In the movie Friday the 13th, you learn the full lore of Jason and Pamela much later into the franchise. Here the scene is immediately set, and viewers understand what made Pamela snap. With how popular and known the original film is, audiences know the basic premise. However, the plot changes to “Crystal Lake” make the tale of Jason and Pamela Vorhees more haunting.
The biggest difference in the storytelling for the film Friday the 13th and the series “Crystal Lake” is the tone. Friday the 13th follows the traditional campy way of filmmaking set in the 70s and 80s. Modern film still plays into the campy elements but falls in line with true horror more. Within the opening moments of the show the first level of horror is unlocked when Pamela’s young son Jason (Callum Vinson) drowns due to a neglectful camp counselor. This is information the viewer doesn’t learn until later in the original film. By knowing this from the jump, there is an understanding of Pamela’s actions the viewers know is to come. Pamela (Linda Cardellini) is heartbroken to learn the camp is set to reopen and her trauma materializes as she works to stop this. This series explores more backstory to how Jason was created and what Pamela did to save him. She is a mother who feels unconditional love for her son and will do anything to protect him.
Linda Cardellini beautifully expanded on the groundwork set by Betsy Palmer as Pamela Vorhees. This is a character that has been widely misunderstood and underrecognized in the world of horror. Linda catapults Pamela right into the conversation of “Best Horror Characters.” Her portrayal is sure to change the conversation on how the film and character have been perceived in the past. Pamela is a scorned mother who wants the world to feel her fiery rage. Here Cardellini shows viewers how Pamela is rightful in her rage. Her performance both breaks your heart and instills fear in the viewers. From the show “Freaks and Geeks” to her role in the movie Scooby Doo to on to her character in the series “Dead to Me,” Linda has had a widespread beloved career that defines generations. She cements another iconic role to add to her list with “Crystal Lake.” Young Jason is brought to life by Callum Vinson. He does a wonderful job showing us the nuance with Jason’s understanding of himself. He desires to be “normal” and fit in with the other summer camp kids while also having a devastating understanding of his physical differences.
Brad Kane is the showrunner and executive producer to this project. He also is behind 2025’s hit series “IT: Welcome to Derry.” This means he is no stranger to stepping into a beloved existing film world and carefully expanding further into the story. Logan George, Celine Held, Michael Lennox and Quyen Tran all held the directing torch for this series. Each directing two to three episodes, they created a seamless story that follows Brad’s vision.
People either love or hate the original horror films like Friday the 13th, Carrie and Halloween to name a few. I, personally, fall in the middle of loving it at the time it was created but also wishing there was more depth to some of the films. “Crystal Lake” brings that deeper story I have always wanted explored for the world of Friday the 13th. I left this project with a new understanding and appreciation of Pamela Vorhees. In a way, I now find myself rooting for her and look forward to this show continuing.