The movie Carrie (1976) came out long before bullying became a public concern. Now that we take the issue seriously, Stephen King’s horror story about a girl tormented by her peers has new relevance. So it’s not surprising that Hollywood updated Carrie in a remake, set for release on October 18.
The official trailer reveals the whole plot: Carrie (Chloë Grace Moretz) faces rejection at school and religious abuse at home. One day, she realizes that she has telekinetic powers. She can break lights, move the school flag and crack a door down the middle using only her mind. Carrie’s mother (Julianne Moore) sees her strange abilities as proof of satanic influence. Everyone knows what happens next, when her cruel classmates go too far by humiliating Carrie at the prom.
The cultural landscape has changed since Brian de Palma made Carrie in 1976. Back then, school shootings were relatively unknown. Today names like Columbine and Jonesboro evoke horrifying memories; sadly, violence and murder in schools aren’t just fictional anymore.
So while its theme is timely, overall the movie may send the wrong message. Without the supernatural aspect, Carrie is about a likable, sympathetic main character (spoiler alert) who kills her mean classmates. Does anyone else have a problem with that?
Watch the trailer below: