The Scariest Things: “Carrie”

Courtesy Red Bank Films

Jula Utzschneider, Opinion Editor
January 14, 2022

Hello everyone! This week I watched “Carrie” (1976), directed by Brian De Palma and adapted from Stephen King’s 1974 novel.

This movie follows quiet and loner teen Carrie White (Sissy Spacek) as she faces bullying from classmates at school and abuse from her overbearingly religious mother (Piper Laurie) at home. When strange occurrences start happening around Carrie, she begins to suspect that she has supernatural powers. Invited to the prom by the empathetic Tommy Ross (William Katt), Carrie tries to let her guard down, but things eventually take a dark and violent turn.

Without further ado, let’s start the review

Carrie by Jula Utzschneider

 

Fright Factor: How scary is the movie?

Rating: 5/10

While this movie isn’t necessarily scary, it is certainly twisted. The first “scary” part comes when the movie is over halfway done, so take that as you will.

 

Plot: Is the storyline/script interesting?

Rating: 8/10

On the surface, it seems like the typical “teen girl gets bullied and then becomes popular” movie. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Carrie has been bullied all her life, and is finally able to get revenge at the prom. Without spoiling anything, it is not in the way you would expect.

 

Quality: How well is it produced? How good is the acting?

Rating: 9/10

“Carrie” was produced exceptionally well. Obviously, the special effects are not as good as those seen today. However, it still holds up. Not to mention, the acting is fantastic. Spacek did an incredible job of portraying Carrie while also evolving as the sensitive teen became more sure of herself.

 

Entertaining: How fun is it to watch?

Rating: 10/10

Honestly, this is one of the most entertaining movies I’ve seen in a while. There were multiple (but not too many) storylines to follow, which made it very interesting to watch, especially as they all came together toward the end. Additionally, the length of the movie was perfect. Many horror movies nowadays go on for so long without much substance. “Carrie,” on the other hand, was long enough to get you hooked without going on forever.

 

Overall Rating: 8/10

This cult-classic, with its dark and violent turns, is an excellent movie to watch any day of the year. While not inherently scary, “Carrie” is still an amazing film.

 

Have a frightful Friday everyone, and be sure to come back on Feb. 4 for my review of “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.”