Netflix's New "Carrie Meets Mean Girls" Thriller Is a Near-Perfect 8-Episode Binge

The Body, Netflix's new thriller, feels like a mashup of Carrie and Mean Girls set in a small religious town. After a disastrous dance-team initiation, a group of high school girls incite panic in their community, possibly due to the supernatural. The series, created by Quinn Shephard, follows three distinct girls: Anya, the empathetic and popular co-captain of the Lions dance team; Elise, her popular best friend; and Lisbeth, the enigmatic and lonely town recluse's daughter.

Lisbeth's failed dance audition leads her to join the dance team, sparking an initiation ritual that ultimately changes all their lives.

The Body combines elements of classic teen thrillers like Bring It On, Mean Girls, and The Exorcist, with the added twist of the 2000s aesthetic. The show is a nostalgic take on the past, yet it's produced in 2026, allowing it to explore the tropes in a modern context. Anya, Elise, and Lisbeth each represent different archetypes seen in other teen films, with Lisbeth embodying the essence of Needy from Jennifer's Body and Brigitte from Ginger Snaps.

The show examines the complexities of friendship, sexuality, and identity, while also delving into the horror of being a teenager in a judgmental society.

However, the horror aspect of The Body doesn't quite live up to its potential, with some sequences feeling more campy than genuinely frightening. The show tackles real-life issues with the same gravity as it does supernatural forces, making it a relatable and thought-provoking watch. The Body is an 8-episode binge-worthy series that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the aughts, while offering a fresh perspective on classic teen narratives.