Carrie was Stephen King’s first novel, published in 1974. In 1976, Brian De Palma turned the horror story into an iconic movie starring Sissy Spacek and John Travolta. 2002 brought us the first Carrie remake, directed by David Carson. This version was originally a “meant-for-tv movie.” Now, in 2013, Kimberly Peirce brings us a new, modernized version of the tale, starring Julianne Moore and Chloë Grace Moretz. However, the question rises… is the new movie true to the book?

Carrie (2013) vs. Stephen King’s novel

Portrayal of characters: Carrie and her mother are portrayed as much prettier. In the book, Stephen King refers to Carrie as someone that is fat with “bovine reactions.” Obviously, Chloë Grace Moretz is not the worst looking girl, but whatever she lacked in being an eyesore, she makes up for in her awkward mannerisms and her modest, innocent appearance, which develops the character.

Plot overall: In the book, the story is narrated through police reports and testimonies from Sue Snell, a classmate of Carrie’s. The movie shows it as a normal, chronological third person story.

Famous “Prom” scene: In the book, it’s actually Chris that comes up with the idea to drench Carrie in pig’s blood for prom. However, in this movie, Chris’ older and sketchier boyfriend Billy is the one to come up with the idea. The dress is different as well – the book describing a heavy, red velvet dress, while in the movie it’s a pink, easily stainable dress (both show off and promote the famous “dirty pillows” exchange between Carrie and her mother, however.) The official blood dumping is accurate. However, in the beginning, the girls in her gym class record her having an episode on the floor after she gets her first period (which her mother never warned her of, so she thought she was dying) on their phones, and the videos is then played on two giant screens in the auditorium as the students laugh.

Overall movie: As demonstrated throughout, the movie is a modernized version of the original. Cell phone usage, clothing, and overall mannerisms are from now, not the 1970s. Even the pop culture references are recent, with the characters referencing things like Tim Tebow and Dancing with the Stars. However, the modernizations are nicely executed, and all changes are woven in pretty smoothly. I consider this a better remake than the 1976 version, and DEFINITELY a better version than the 2002 made-for-tv movie.