Common Sense Media Review
Stephen King's prom horror classic has full-frontal nudity.
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Carrie
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 23 parent reviews
Parents say that this horror film is a cult classic that mixes elements of suspense, drama, and teenage angst, making it suitable for mature teens but not for younger children due to its themes of bullying, religious zealotry, and nudity. The memorable performances, particularly from Sissy Spacek, are highlighted, along with its potential for sparking meaningful conversations about social issues, but caution is advised regarding scenes that may be uncomfortable for sensitive viewers.
- mature themes
- parental guidance
- strong performances
- suitable for teens
- anti-bullying message
Summarized with AI
Based on 89 kid reviews
Kids say this film provides a powerful commentary on bullying and the impact it can have on mental health, using the tragic story of a girl who faces extreme mistreatment from her peers and an abusive mother. While it contains notable classic horror elements and intense scenes, the graphic violence and sexual content make it inappropriate for younger audiences; however, many recommend it for mature teens due to its important themes and emotional depth.
- bullying message
- graphic content
- suitable for teens
- emotional depth
- classic horror
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
High schooler CARRIE (Sissy Spacek) is a bullied, lonely teen with stringy hair and beaten-down posture. She's tormented by her classmates and abused by her religious-zealot mother (Piper Laurie). Meanwhile, Carrie struggles to understand the power she has to make objects move with her mind, going to the library to look up "telekinesis." When a popular boy (William Katt) asks her to the prom, and a concerned gym teacher (Betty Buckley) takes Carrie under her wing, it seems that Carrie might finally have a chance at happiness. But a cruel prank is in the works, and it will all come to a head on prom night.
Is It Any Good?
Decades on, director Brian De Palma's memorable high school thriller, Carrie, remains a fantastic adaptation of Stephen King's novel. The original story brings much of the magic, but filmmakers accentuate it with interesting split screens and sharp sound design to create eerie tension and startling carnage. This film also helped launch many careers, including Spacek's, who received an Oscar nomination for her chilling performance. Castmates Amy Irving, John Travolta, and Nancy Allen are fun to spot.
On the other hand, the film can be a painful watch: Vicious bullying seems endless, coming not only from Carrie's classmates, but from her mother, too (Laurie is genuinely disturbing in her Oscar-nominated role as a fire-and-brimstone-spouting zealot). Unfortunately, another aspect of the film is just as disturbing, and it seems to be unintentional. De Palma's camera leers at high school girls, from overtly showing teens in slow-motion nudity to a training montage that focuses on students' bare legs and nipples raised through shirts and dresses. That alone brings a level of creeping dread to Carrie that viewers could have done without.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Carrie handles the issue of bullying. Does Carrie's school appropriately deal with the students who pick on her? If not, what steps should be taken to protect Carrie?
Why do you think the director chose to show multiple scenes of high schoolers partially or fully naked? Did this add anything to the film? If so, what's another way to achieve that effect without sexualizing potentially underage teens?
Have you read the original novel or seen other Carrie adaptations? If so, how does this compare? If not, does this make you want to check out the other versions?
If you've read or seen other Stephen King stories, what does Carrie have in common with them? What sets Carrie apart?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 3, 1976
- On DVD or streaming : August 28, 2001
- Cast : Sissy Spacek , Piper Laurie , John Travolta
- Director : Brian De Palma
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Book Characters , School ( High School )
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 2, 2026
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