Terror Tuesday: Why Mike Flanagan’s Carrie Has My Attention
Mike Flanagan’s latest horror series, an adaptation of Stephen King’s classic novel Carrie, premiered just a few days ago. All eight episodes dropped on Amazon Prime the same day, allowing viewers to binge the entire series. Like Flanagan’s other projects, the show’s reception seems relatively strong, with a 7.9 average on IMDb and 85/83% from critics/audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, respectively.
However, for many potential viewers, there is a lingering question about this adaptation. Since Carrie has already gone through several previous screen adaptations, is a new TV iteration worth making and, most importantly, watching?
For reference, I do think Mike Flanagan was an excellent choice to lead this adaptation. He has already proven himself capable of adapting Stephen King’s work while drawing on the cinematography and atmosphere of Kubrick’s Shining in Doctor Sleep.
Additionally, his solo work (such as The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass) expertly delves into the paranormal. For a supernatural-based story like Carrie, I couldn’t think of a better pick as a director.
As for what Flanagan changed with his adaptation, this is where things get interesting. Mainly, the entire setting has been modernized from the original. For instance, in the show, Carrie is now homeschooled by her father until his death, which then forces her to attend public school.
Flanagan has now given social media center stage, with Carrie’s bullies now digitally harassing her. As a fun bonus, Carrie’s telekinetic powers are an earlier version of the Shine phenomenon Danny Torrance experiences in The Shining.
Another interesting change comes from the show’s structure. Unlike the movies, the series’ eight-episode format allows for expanded storylines and deeper character dynamics. The finale also leaves room for a possible second season, although Amazon has yet to renew the series.
In conclusion, although I haven’t personally experienced the original story, the combination of Stephen King’s material and Mike Flanagan’s approach to paranormal horror makes for an intriguing adaptation. I especially appreciate how the modernized setting and episodic format allow the series to explore the story in new ways. These changes could help the series appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. While I’m not sure if these changes justify another adaptation of the novel, the series has certainly caught my attention.
Although I’m not sure which one I will watch first, I will certainly be viewing some iteration of Carrie this October. Let me know in the comments if you’ll give Flanagan’s new adaptation a shot!
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