Alison Thornton’s recent role has stirred strong reactions online as she plays one of the most disliked characters in Mike Flanagan’s new version of Stephen King’s Carrie. Fans have expressed their frustration with her performance, with one viewer mentioning they felt like throwing their remote at the screen due to her character’s actions. In this adaptation, which premiered on Prime Video, viewers are encouraged to root against Chris Hargensen, a popular girl who bullies Carrie.
The story of Carrie, first published in 1974, follows a lonely teenager seeking revenge on those who mistreat her after she discovers her telekinetic abilities. The novel was first made into a film by Brian De Palma in 1976, featuring Sissy Spacek as Carrie White. Later adaptations include a 2002 television version by David Carson and a 2013 film with Chloë Grace Moretz. In this latest version, Carrie is presented as a homeschooled teen who starts attending a public high school after her father dies.
Chris Hargensen’s cruelty goes beyond just teasing. In this modern retelling, she uses an Instagram harassment account named “Carrie Red” to publicly humiliate Carrie. This adds a new layer of harshness to her bullying because Carrie is unable to escape the taunts, even after school ends. Fans have taken to social media, calling Chris the “most unlikeable person of 2026” and praising Thornton’s performance as capturing the character’s essence perfectly.
The portrayal of Chris Hargensen is being compared to characters from Mean Girls and Gossip Girl, but many find her actions even more troubling because they have lasting effects outside of school. Viewers have noted their strong reactions as a sign that Thornton has effectively brought the character to life. Though Chris starts as a typical popular-girl bully, the series, being eight episodes long, delves deeper into her background.
Thornton has shared that she viewed Chris as a complex character, shaped by a troubled upbringing and lacking good role models. While this does not excuse her actions toward Carrie, it adds depth to her character. Fans have noted that Chris is not just a two-dimensional villain, as her issues at home and her deteriorating friendship with Sue Snell contribute to her behavior.
The discussions online show that Chris’s character and her unpopularity are closely tied to Thornton’s performance. Instead of mistaking the actress for the character she plays, viewers are engaging with the complexities of the role. What are your thoughts on the portrayal of bullies in modern adaptations?
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Source: Bored Panda, by Rocio Corsi