This week, Prime Video prepares for the 8-episode release of a much-talked-about literary television adaptation. Based on Stephen King’s first-ever novel, this series dives in deeper than its previous adaptations. First a 1976 film directed by Brian de Palma, then a 2013 remake directed by Kimberly Peirce. In this new version, King serves as an executive producer alongside longtime collaborator Mike Flanagan. Previously, Flanagan adapted Doctor Sleep, The Life of Chuck, and Gerald’s Game. This new adaptation also marks the beginning of Flanagan’s partnership with Prime Video, where he’s currently developing an adaptation of King’s epic fantasy The Dark Tower.
Though Flanagan has a history of working with the same cast of actors on each project, this upcoming series features some newcomers, like Summer H. Howell and Amber Midthunder. This fresh batch of actors helps round out what is a typical Flanagan production into something more relatable, which is a perfect vehicle for introducing younger generations to a classic story — and what a story Carrie is.
Carrie gets to spread her wings with this new runtime
It seems easy enough to say that everyone has heard of Carrie, even if they haven’t read it or seen it. It’s difficult not to, given that it has become synonymous with the destructive nature of bullying. However, with the novel being written in 1974 and de Palma’s film coming out in 1976, the cultural landscape has changed quite a bit. Flanagan’s adaptation leans into that shift and has the room to fully flesh out the story.
It is no secret that social media has a major role in this retelling, which brings these characters into a world of cell phones and apps. First reactions to the show have praised how it was included. In his review of the series, Polygon’s Jake Kleinman says, “We know the story’s true horror will eventually emerge from Carrie’s awful psychic outburst, but watching the entire town squirm under the pressure of anonymous social media accusations is even more agonizing.”
Such a change is bound to be controversial, but in the right hands it could be an interesting, fresh look at a decades-old story. Given Flanagan’s track record, perhaps he will be the best person for it. Carrie holds an important emotional weight beneath the horror of its exterior. That kind of weight can be watered down with the constraints of a feature film. With this being the first time the pages are allowed to unfurl and tell the story, it will be interesting to see where it goes.
Currently, the show holds an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where critics’ consensus hails the story as “bringing a modern touch to a timeless work and giving all performers involved the opportunity to shine.”
The series debuts on Prime Video on October 7.