Brian De Palma’s Carrie (1976) is a compelling and fantastic exploration of the explosive and complex relationship between mothers and daughters. It is an intense battle of religious fanaticism, unchecked cruelty and, ultimately, a journey into female empowerment.
At its core lies the intricate dynamic between the titular Carrie (Sissy Spacek) and her mother, Margret White (Piper Laurie), which is strained at the best of times, and horrific on the surface. Margaret may be Carrie’s birth mother, but the film’s mother-daughter themes extend beyond her, with their relationship mirrored by Miss Collins (Betty Buckley), the gym teacher who acts as a surrogate saviour for Carrie.
Laurie embodies the epitome of the controlling and overbearing mother figure. Her obsessive devotion to God and religion casts a shadow of suffering over Carrie’s life. Though extreme, this serves as a message about how maternal dominance can break a daughter’s independence and autonomy and hinder a mother’s parenting ability.
Carrie’s womanhood is the main subject of concern between the pair, as Carrie seeks help and love from her mother and is denied and abused for natural happenings. This drives not only Carrie and her mother apart but also aids in driving Carrie’s own fear and insecurities, guilt, and self-loathing both at home and at school.
In contrast, Carrie’s relationship with Miss Collins offers a glimpse of maternal support and guidance. She provides Carrie a level of nurturing and encouragement that Margret fails to offer at any given opportunity. Miss Collins may pity Carrie’s situation, but she tries her best to protect and inspire Carrie in the lead-up to the prom. This protective and encouraging demeanour serves as a direct parallel to the parenting of Margret white. Miss Collins helps highlight the power and impact of positive female influence in Carrie’s life.
Throughout the movie, Carrie explores her telekinetic powers that serve as a metaphor for her personal strength and resilience that later help her in finding her freedom. This all comes to a head in the iconic prom scene, which perfectly surmises the film’s mother/daughter themes.
Carrie is a timeless classic in the horror genre. The dynamics explored in the mother-daughter relationship are nuanced and executed perfectly, serving as a cautionary tale to mothers that are a tad too controlling and belittling to their growing daughters. Nuanced and compelling, with the unforgettable delivery from Laurie and Spacek.
