Mike Flanagan has done it again, delivering another stellar ensemble piece that showcases his signature blend of horror and deep character work. His adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie brings together familiar faces from the Flanafamily—like Samantha Sloyan, Kate Siegel, Matthew Lillard, and Rahul Kohli—while introducing a wave of exciting new talent. Summer H. Howell steps into the iconic role of Carrie White, following in the footsteps of Sissy Spacek, and Siena Agudong shines as Sue Snell, caught between loyalty and doing what's right. But it's Alison Thornton who steals scenes as Chris Hargensen, the queen bee whose bullying takes on a new, more complex dimension in this series.
Thornton recently joined Collider Ladies Night to discuss her journey into the Flanafamily and to unpack the push-and-pull of Chris's internal world. One of the most compelling revelations? Chris was on the verge of apologizing to Carrie multiple times—but her father's influence kept her from ever following through.
Chris's Father Was Her Biggest Obstacle
In Episode 5, Principal Grayle pleads with Chris and her father (Michael Trucco) to resolve the situation peacefully, even suggesting that cooperation could lead to better outcomes. Thornton notes that in that moment, Chris is genuinely considering the offer. "I think that she was going to apologize," she says. "Chris wants so badly throughout the show for this to just go away, to apologize. But she has her dad in the back of her head who, you know, the Hargensens don't back down."
Thornton and Trucco discussed the family's mentality: "We win at all costs, and that's how she's been raised. Apologizing would be such a defeat and so devastating, and I think would really jeopardize her relationship with her dad." This dynamic is echoed in other scenes—the bathroom confrontation, the mediation—where Chris teeters on the edge of saying sorry but never quite gets there.
A Cry for Connection
Another pivotal moment comes in Episode 7 when Chris visits her mother (Heather Graham) to pick up clothes. Her mom tries to reach out, but Chris puts up walls. Thornton explains the subtext: "That scene is so sad to me because Chris needs that so much. If she could truly just, I guess, put that stubbornness aside and hug her mom … if she could just let herself lose. Not that it's even losing. Her losing is actually winning."
Thornton adds that Chris doesn't even believe her mother's attempts at connection. "After everything that's happened, the only person that is there for Chris is Billy, which is not the right person." This isolation makes Chris's eventual choice all the more tragic.
A Final Act of Redemption
In the series' climax, after the prom chaos, Billy (Arthur Conti) decides to run Carrie down. But Chris, in a surprising turn, grabs the wheel and stops him. Thornton reflects on this moment: "It was so interesting to me that at the end of the whole show, Chris doesn't kill anyone. She's kind of just lost and a kid." It's a heartbreaking realization that Chris, despite all her cruelty, was still a child shaped by a toxic environment.
Flanagan's expansion of Chris's role is a testament to the writing and Thornton's performance. She conveys volumes without dialogue, making Chris's internal battle palpable. For fans of the series, this deeper dive into Chris's psyche is one of the most rewarding aspects of the adaptation.
If you're hungry for more Carrie content, check out our breakdown of the biggest book changes and other shows to watch after. And for more on Flanagan's universe, don't miss our review of his latest ghost story.
