Carrie (1976) Movie and DVD Review

Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, John Travolta, Amy Irving in Author Stephen King's Thriller

Jun 7, 2009

Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, director Brian De Palma unleashes total chaos in this 1976 horror thriller.

Find out what happens when a young woman is pushed over the edge by her abusive peers and overprotective mother. Oscar nominated performances by Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie make Carrie the ultimate prom date movie.

Carrie Plot Overview

Carrie White (Sissy Spacek) is a sheepish and awkward teenager who finds herself at the mercy of her high-school peers. Carrie is the constant source of every joke, and she is always the target of harassment. When her gym teacher, Miss Collins (Betty Buckley), befriends Carrie and provides her with love, confidence, and security, Carrie slowly transforms into a more outgoing person. However her mother, played by Piper Laurie, is a religious fanatic who tries to shelter Carrie and discourages her from any and all social activities. When Carrie gets asked to the prom by the popular Tommy Ross (William Katt), Miss Collins encourages her to attend. Even though her mother forbids her to attend the prom, Carrie believes the event will finally allow her to "spread her wings" and fit in with her peers. However, when the prom takes a horrible turn for the worse and Carrie is humiliated in front of the entire school, not even God can save her peers from the wrath of Carrie White.

DVD Release

In 2001 a special edition of the film was released, and in 2008 the same edition was released on Blu-ray. The features include:

Final Thoughts

The movie Carrie plays on a timeless theme of a person being bullied and harassed for simply being different. Our society has shown that popular and elite kids pick on the misfits...simply because they can. Many viewers can relate to this effective, yet simple theme. Carrie speaks to everyone who has been ridiculed and harassed, but never had the chance to seek revenge. Many horror fans view this film as the ultimate revenge of the mistreated and maligned. Carrie plays on the important childhood lesson concerning courtesy and respect. Many times people have no idea how words or actions can hurt. They also have no idea of what that person could do in return. Be careful who you pick on, and in the mind of Carrie White if you can't beat them...join them!

The copyright of the article Carrie (1976) Movie and DVD Review in Horror Films is owned by Bryan Parker. Permission to republish Carrie (1976) Movie and DVD Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.