Carrie Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A socially awkward teen discovers she has telekinetic powers and uses them to get revenge on her bullies after they dump pig’s blood on her at prom, which is basically what happens when you let nerds go to parties.

🍿 Carrie: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Shower Scene and Initial Humiliation

The film opens with Carrie White, a shy and sheltered teenager, experiencing her first period in the school showers. Unaware of what’s happening, she panics, leading her classmates to cruelly ridicule and pelt her with feminine hygiene products. This incident highlights Carrie’s naiveté and the merciless bullying she endures, setting the stage for her later actions. The gym teacher, Miss Collins, intervenes and punishes the girls, sparking further resentment from Chris Hargensen.

An Invitation to the Prom

Sue Snell, feeling guilty about her participation in the shower incident, asks her boyfriend, Tommy Ross, to take Carrie to the prom. Despite initial reluctance, Tommy agrees, seeing it as a way to make amends. This act of kindness offers Carrie a glimmer of hope and a chance to experience a normal teenage life. However, her overbearing and religiously fanatical mother, Margaret, vehemently opposes the idea, seeing it as an invitation to sin.

Chris Hargensen’s Revenge Plot

Chris Hargensen, fueled by anger over being banned from the prom, plots revenge against Carrie. With the help of her boyfriend, Billy Nolan, she devises a plan to humiliate Carrie in front of the entire school. This revenge plot involves slaughtering a pig and collecting its blood, which they intend to dump on Carrie during the prom. This sets the stage for the film’s horrifying climax.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Carrie White (Sissy Spacek): A bullied and sheltered teenager with telekinetic powers who seeks revenge on her tormentors after a humiliating prank at prom.
• Margaret White (Piper Laurie): Carrie’s religiously fanatical and abusive mother, who believes sex and menstruation are sinful.
• Sue Snell (Amy Irving): A remorseful classmate who feels guilty for her role in tormenting Carrie and tries to make amends.
• Chris Hargenson (Nancy Allen): A cruel and vindictive popular girl who orchestrates the prom prank against Carrie.
• Billy Nolan (John Travolta): Chris’s boyfriend who aids her in the plan against Carrie, ultimately facing deadly consequences.
• Tommy Ross (William Katt): Sue’s boyfriend who reluctantly takes Carrie to prom at Sue’s request, showing her genuine kindness.
• Miss Collins (Betty Buckley): A sympathetic gym teacher who tries to help Carrie and punish the bullies, but ends up a victim of Carrie’s rage.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Margaret White: “They’re all going to laugh at you!” – Margaret White warns Carrie about the dangers and humiliation she believes Carrie will face if she attends the prom.
• Margaret White: “Show her that if she had remained sinless, this curse of blood would never have come on her!” – Margaret speaks about Carrie’s menstruation as a consequence of sin.
• Carrie: “Look what Tommy gave me, Mama. Aren’t they beautiful?” – Carrie proudly shows her mother the corsage Tommy gave her for the prom.
• Carrie: “I can move things with my mind.” – Carrie tells Tommy about her powers when he takes her home after the prom.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.8M
• Domestic Gross: $33.8M
• Worldwide Gross: $33.9M

💥 Carrie Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Carrie’ for the first time as a teenager and being absolutely terrified but also feeling a strange sense of satisfaction. Spacek’s performance is just incredible; you genuinely feel for her character. The prom scene is still one of the most unforgettable and disturbing sequences I’ve ever seen in a horror movie. I actually felt bad for Carrie when the bucket of blood fell on her. When she unleashed her powers, I was on the edge of my seat, rooting for her to get revenge. The ending always gets me, even after so many rewatches, because it’s not just horror, it’s also a tragedy.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Stephen King adaptations”
  • “Viewers interested in horror films with psychological depth”
  • “Those who appreciate strong female performances”
  • “People interested in themes of bullying and social isolation”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore”
  • “Bullying and harassment”
  • “Religious extremism”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Sexual content”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “De Palma masterfully builds tension, creating a truly unsettling atmosphere. Spacek’s performance is iconic, embodying both vulnerability and terrifying power. ‘Carrie’ remains a chilling exploration of teenage cruelty and repressed rage.
• The New York Times: “A potent and visually stunning horror film. De Palma’s direction is at its best here. ‘Carrie’ is an exploration of social isolation and the consequences of relentless bullying, making it more than just a horror film, but a powerful social commentary.
• Variety: “Spacek is superb! She perfectly captures Carrie’s shyness and growing rage. De Palma’s use of split-screen and slow motion is visually striking, amplifying the horror and chaos of the prom scene. ‘Carrie’ remains one of the best adaptations of Stephen King’s work.

Audience Reactions

Sissy Spacek’s performance is mesmerizing and deeply sympathetic, making you root for Carrie despite the horrifying consequences.: Viewers consistently praise Sissy Spacek’s incredible performance as Carrie and the film’s exploration of bullying and revenge.

The prom scene is iconic, a perfect blend of horror and tragedy that leaves a lasting impact.: The prom scene is terrifying and unforgettable.

Overall Consensus: A classic horror film that brilliantly explores themes of bullying, revenge, and social isolation, anchored by Sissy Spacek’s unforgettable performance.

Awards

1. National Board of Review (Best Supporting Actress)- 1976

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Sissy Spacek prepared for her role by isolating herself from the rest of the cast, decorating her dressing room with religious iconography, and studying Gustave Doré’s illustrated Bible.”
• “During the prom scene, the intense dizzying effect was achieved by placing Sissy Spacek and William Katt on a platform that spun in the opposite direction of a camera dollying away from the actors.”

🖥️ How to Watch Carrie?

You can rent or purchase “Carrie” (1976) on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable or streaming services. Some platforms may offer a free trial period.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Carrie, you might like these similar films:

• The Exorcist (1973): Both feature supernatural horror elements and explore themes of religious fanaticism and female vulnerability.
• Jennifer’s Body (2009): A horror film with a female protagonist who gains supernatural powers and seeks revenge against those who wronged her.
• Heathers (1988): Deals with teenage social dynamics and revenge, albeit with a darker comedic tone.
• Firestarter (1984): Features a young girl with pyrokinetic abilities who is pursued by a shadowy government agency.

🛒 Carrie Related Products

• Carrie (Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]: A limited edition Blu-ray featuring exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews, packaged in a premium collectible box.
• Carrie (Stephen King) Paperback: Relive the horrifying experience with the original Stephen King novel that started it all. Experience the raw power of King’s storytelling in this gripping paperback edition.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Carrie – Carrie White (Bloody Prom Dress): A Funko Pop! vinyl figure of Carrie White in her iconic bloody prom dress, making it a must-have for collectors and fans.
• Carrie Movie Poster Print: A high-quality reprint of the iconic movie poster. Perfect to decorate home and office to show passion for the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Carrie features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I Never Dreamed Someone Like You (Could Love Someone Like Me)” – performed by Katie Irving
• “Education Blues” – performed by Glen Vance and Mike Towers
• “Carrie (Main Title)” – performed by Pino Donaggio

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Carrie: The Teenage Nightmare

If you’re a fan of ‘Carrie’ and want to delve into its deeper meanings and social commentary, this video is a must-watch. It’s a thoughtful exploration of the film’s dark themes and psychological nuances.

50 Things You Missed in Carrie (1976)

Looking for hidden gems in ‘Carrie’? This video takes you on a journey, revealing 50 missed details and connections. It’s like putting on a detective’s hat and exploring the film all over again.

Analyzing Evil: Margaret White From Carrie

Craving a deep dive into the twisted mind of Margaret White? This video breaks down her character, motivations, and evil deeds. It’s a chilling yet fascinating exploration of one of cinema’s most notorious villains.

Sissy Spacek Breaks Down Her Most Iconic Characters | GQ

Ever wondered what goes through the mind of Carrie? This video features an exclusive interview with Sissy Spacek, the actress who brought Carrie to life. Listen to her share behind-the-scenes stories and personal insights.

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