Carrie's finale is a bloody mess in more ways than one

This adaptation of Prime Video's Carrie is a "bloody mess" in several regards. The finale, "AP Physics," especially, takes liberties that detract from the core essence of the story. Carrie's actions become less about her personal journey and more about the actions of other characters. For instance, Emaline West (Thalia Dudek), Carrie's astral projector friend, seemingly "takes the wheel" at prom, instigating further destruction. This departure from the original narrative robs the character of her unique breaking point.

King's original 1974 novel ends with Carrie's death, reflecting the difficulty of breaking away from a cycle of violence and abuse. However, the Prime Video series fails to grasp this complexity, resulting in a less emotionally resonant conclusion. Furthermore, the show's exploration of social media's harmful influence is valuable, yet the introduction of Emaline into the prom chaos detracts from the narrative.

The addition of Adelaide, a cult leader with telekinetic abilities, further complicates the story. Adelaide's role in stopping Carrie's mom, Margaret, removes Carrie's agency and dilutes the show's focus on Margaret's fanaticism. Ultimately, these additions dilute the moral and emotional consequences of Carrie's story, transforming it into a chaotic spectacle.