Carrie - The Pigs Blood Cult Classic

Stephen King's 'Carrie' is still a clear example of narrative perfection in 2026.

Image - De Palma, 1976

In Carrie's case, this cult favourite has been significantly tampered with throughout the years. The original, which was initially released in 1976, has undergone a few hit-or-miss recreations and reimaginings; however, it continues to be the best to this day.

Carrie was Stephen King's first novel, and the film is a flawless adaptation of the 1974 release. Mostly since it was the first to be published, it is recognised as his debut. Because he wanted to write about horror from a woman's perspective, Stephen King began writing the shower room section first. This definitely lends an added element of fright to the film.

Brian De Palma brings this film to life. His vision is clear, and his directing is superior. Sissy Spacek portrays Carrietta White, better known plainly as just ‘Carrie’, our main anti-hero. The reticent and sensitive teen Carrie endures bullying at school and torture from her fervently religious mother, portrayed by Piper Laurie. Carrie starts to wonder if she has supernatural abilities when odd things start happening around her. Carrie tries to let her guard down when Tommy Ross (William Katt) invites her to the prom at his girlfriend's discretion, but soon events take a dark and violent turn.

The story itself is very basic - girl gets bullied, goes on a rampage and kills her mother. However, the underlying layers of this story leave every single viewer yearning for more.

The high school setting makes it relatable, almost eerily relatable for viewers. Carrie is ridiculed, bullied and isolated because she is so reclusive; she only lets out small amounts of telekinetic energy that go unnoticed by everybody, until it's too late.

Two scenes from this iconic film really pierce the audience: the shower scene and the ultimate bloodshed scene. 

At the beginning of the film, Carrie is entering womanhood unaware of any quandaries she will face. Carrie has to deal with bullying on the most serious scale. After physical education, she starts her period in the showers, breaks down, and is entirely oblivious to what is happening to her. Spacek perfectly captures Carrie's innocence and dread in this scene. Her body language, tone of voice, and fearful expression in her eyes are all disconcerting. The girls' eerie chanting and the panning shot of their joyful grins in the changing room are horrifying. This scene's implications produce such a depressing atmosphere that you simultaneously feel sympathy and rage. De Palma did a fantastic job with this.

The ending. Arguably, one of the most iconic destruction scenes in film and cinematic history has made its mark to this day.

The infamous, repulsive pigs' blood drop. The film has now taken a darker turn than before. At the prom, Carrie and Tommy have arrived, and the atmosphere is fantastic. Carrie just won the title of prom queen, defeating every other girl, and her smile is beaming. Spacek gives an outstanding performance in just this scene alone.

Chris and Billy, the film's antagonists, are anxiously ready to make her life miserable and humiliate Carrie, as Carrie and Tommy make their way to the stage, where everyone is watching the newly proclaimed school monarchs. I, along with the rest of the audience, had never felt happier for Carrie. Until. They get covered in blood, and Tommy is knocked out by the bucket.

The highest appreciation should be reserved for Spacek's eyes in this scene. She is disturbing. The entire gym collapses and is consumed by fire. Although her body is still, you can see that she is angry. The non-diegetic ‘they’re all going to laugh at you’ is haunting. 

This movie creates premature levels of turmoil and anxiety. It is unbeatable. Carrie is arguably one of the best horror movies ever created – not because it is particularly scary, but rather because it captures the reality and tragedy of high school.