Prime Video releases modernized adaptation of Stephen King's "Carrie"
The streaming series reimagines the 1974 novel with a contemporary teenage protagonist and explores themes of social media, bullying and adolescence over eight episodes.
Prime Video's new series "Carrie" presents a modern take on Stephen King's 1974 novel, shifting the title character from a bullied outcast to a shy, tech-savvy teenager navigating high school and social media. Creator Mike Flanagan expands the story to eight 45-minute episodes, adding new subplots and characters while retaining core elements such as Carrie's first period incident and her emerging telekinetic powers.
The show follows Carrie White, played by Summer H. Howell, as she leaves her isolated home, enrolls at Ewen High, and forms friendships with classmates such as Sue Snell and Emaline West. Her mother, Margaret (Samantha Sloyan), a devoutly religious figure, is forced to work outside the home after the family patriarch dies, creating tension between mother and daughter. The series also depicts harassment from classmate Chris Hargensen and the impact of a fake social-media account posted under Carrie's name.
Supporting storylines explore the personal histories of secondary characters, including Chris's family background and teacher Rita Desjardin's relationship with a colleague. While the addition of telekinetic abilities aligns Carrie with comic-book archetypes, critics note that this element sometimes reduces her agency in key moments.
The production features a recurring ensemble cast and cinematography that emphasizes negative space to build suspense, hallmarks of Flanagan's previous work. "Carrie" premiered on October 7 on Prime Video.