What it’s about
Shy, sweet, and gentle Carrie (Spacek) just can't catch a break. She's got a wacked-out harridan for a mother (Laurie), and her high-school classmates tease her mercilessly. Immature and unfeeling as they are, they simply don't know what they're dealing with. It turns out Carrie is equipped with telekinetic powers that kick in when she's angry, and that's bound to happen soon. Watch out!
Why we love it
Based on Stephen King's book, this horror outing finds director de Palma at his twisted best. Spacek is perfect as the diminutive blonde bombshell set to detonate; Laurie causes involuntary shudders playing Carrie's deranged mom; and you can't wait to see all those nasty adolescents at school get what's coming to them. (This group includes future stars Travolta, Allen, and Irving). The concluding prom scene is one of the greatest sequences in horror films. Pick “Carrie” — but don't pick on her!