“Not What You Expect”: First Reactions Praise Mike Flanagan’s ‘Carrie’

After getting a trailer and release date, the new adaptation of Carrie had its first two episodes screened for the press in an early session hosted by Prime Video. Critics’ first reactions were very positive, highlighting Summer H. Howell’s performance, as well as Mike Flanagan’s new take on Stephen King’s classic.

Journalist Bill Bria, from SlashFilm, said that any concerns he had vanished "just a few minutes in" and praised Flanagan’s work. According to him, the series is "relevant, reverent, and surprising", while Summer H. Howell is "heartbreakingly great" in the lead role. "Can’t wait for the rest," he concluded. 

Meanwhile, Tessa Smith, from Mama's Geeky, summed up her impression with a "WOW!", saying the adaptation "is nothing at all what you are expecting" and calling the lead actress "phenomenal."

For Tyler Taing, from DiscussingFilm, the production is a major reinvention of King’s work, bringing the story into the digital age and tackling themes such as teenage anxiety and violence on social media. Although he found some choices potentially controversial, the critic said he was won over by the new approach and plans to keep watching the rest of the season: "Flanagan is aware many people hold this story near and dear to their hearts but I find his motivation to peer at today’s issues through the lens of these characters really compelling even if these choices might be controversial. I’m definitely seated for the rest!".

Carrie premieres on October 7 on Prime Video.