Carrie (1976)

Genre: Horror

Directed by: Brian De Palma

Starring: Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Nancy Allen

Running time: 98 minutes

This film adaptation of the Stephen King book of the same name tells the story of Carrie, a 17-year old girl with telekinetic powers who has to contend with an abusive overly religious mom at home and other kids who bully her at school. Feeling bad for Carrie, another girl asks her boyfriend to take the lonely girl to the senior prom instead of her. He does so, but some other students are waiting to sabotage what could have been such a beautiful moment for Carrie.

Both Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie were recognized for their roles in this movie and deservedly so. Both are absolutely brilliant as Carrie and Margaret White (daughter-mother). For Laurie, it was a return to the big screen after a long absence, and she sure did embrace the role. As for Spacek, she was in her mid to late twenties when this movie was made, but she truly looked like a teenage girl. Considering the locker room scene in the opening had so much nudity, it was a good thing it was really adults playing teenage girls. It was the 70’s, so it felt like American politics in the last few decades: Lots of Bush!

The movie itself feels a bit dated when you look at it with the eyes of today. Nonetheless, with a slow build and some solid acting, it creates some great tension and ends on a strong note. This film is truly a classic of the genre and it should be seen at least once in a lifetime.

Rating: ««««