‘Carrie’ and ‘Matilda’ are iconic films in their respective genres, with ‘Carrie’ being a staple in horror and ‘Matilda’ beloved as a family classic. At first glance, they appear worlds apart, targeting completely different audiences and genres. Yet, delving into their plots reveals surprising similarities. Both stories feature young girls from neglectful families who discover they possess supernatural powers, which they use to confront their bullies. This core similarity between ‘Carrie’ (played by Sissy Spacek) and ‘Matilda’ (played by Mara Wilson) centres around their shared ability: telekinesis, a power they develop and hone throughout their respective journeys.
Carrie White, raised by her fanatically religious mother Margaret (Piper Laurie), faces constant abuse and isolation at home. Her mother’s extreme beliefs lead to Carrie being shamed for natural aspects of adolescence, driving her to repress her emotions until they manifest through her newfound powers. Matilda Wormwood, on the other hand, grows up in a dismissive household where her intellectual pursuits are stifled by her parents’ indifference.
Also Read: ‘High Tension’: This Horror Movie’s Ending Ruined Everything
Both girls seek solace and guidance outside their homes: Carrie finds a mentor in her compassionate gym teacher, Miss Collins (Betty Buckley), while Matilda bonds with her kind-hearted teacher, Miss Honey (Embeth Davidtz), who recognizes and nurtures her exceptional intelligence.
The antagonists in both stories also parallel each other. Carrie’s tormentor, Chris Hargensen (Nancy Allen), and her accomplice Billy (John Travolta), orchestrate a cruel prank at the prom that pushes Carrie over the edge, triggering a devastating display of her powers. Matilda’s nemesis, the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull (Pam Ferris), terrorizes the school with her punitive and abusive behaviour, especially targeting Matilda and Miss Honey. Matilda ultimately stands up to Miss Trunchbull using her telekinetic abilities to expose her cruelty and secure justice.
Despite their divergent genres, both films explore themes of empowerment, resilience against adversity, and the consequences of abuse. Carrie’s story culminates in a tragic and violent climax driven by her pent-up rage and trauma, while Matilda’s narrative leans towards whimsical justice and personal growth.
The striking similarities between these narratives suggest that, beneath their surface disparities, both ‘Carrie’ and ‘Matilda’ share profound thematic resonances, making them more alike than one might initially assume. Revisiting these films underscores their enduring appeal and thematic richness, inviting viewers to reconsider their narratives through a shared lens of empowerment and overcoming adversity.
–Farheen Ali