Exploring Sue Snell’s Role in the New Adaptation of Carrie
In the original 1976 adaptation of Stephen King’s Carrie, the character of Sue Snell, portrayed by Amy Irving, left a lasting impression primarily due to the film’s chilling conclusion. Sue experiences a nightmare where Carrie’s hand emerges from the destruction of a house, startling her awake. Irving returned to play the character in a lesser-known 1999 sequel. The 2013 remake introduces Sue as played by Gabriella Wilde, who, while active in her career, never quite hit the mainstream stardom level. Traditionally, Sue serves as a sympathetic lens through which we see the more mundane lives of those who unwittingly contribute to Carrie’s torment, although it’s not been the most glamorous role.
However, the new TV adaptation of Carrie, helmed by Mike Flanagan, expands Sue’s character significantly. In this eight-episode series, which diverges from the shorter novel and film adaptations, Sue is now portrayed by Siena Agudong. She occupies an essential space between the more apathetic popular kids and a potential ally for Carrie. Interestingly, even as Sue is introduced as a key figure early in the season, her presence diminishes towards the conclusion, giving way to Chris Hargensen (played by Alison Thornton), who steps in as Carrie’s main adversary. Still, Agudong’s performance resonates, especially recognized in the Halloween season original movie Buzzkill.
Agudong has built a diverse acting résumé since her pre-teen years, featuring in various shows from Nickelodeon to Netflix, even appearing in Netflix’s brief adaptation of Resident Evil. She notably portrayed a younger version of Mia Toretto in the ninth Fast & Furious movie, as well as a character in the Kevin Smith comedy, The 4:30 Movie. Despite this extensive experience at such a young age, which sometimes leads to performers feeling overly rehearsed, Agudong’s portrayal of Sue Snell avoids that pitfall, embodying a range of conflicting emotions seamlessly.
In a pivotal scene, Sue initially joins her peers in mocking Carrie, who unwittingly experiences her first menstrual episode, only later to regret her actions and attempt to befriend her. During this time, she is also preoccupied with her relationship with Tommy (Joel Oulette), sensing cracks in their connection. This familiar emotional terrain is brought to life through Agudong’s performance, which feels genuine and nuanced. Even in the latter half of the series, where she becomes less prominent, Sue’s inner life feels real, indicating she has experiences beyond what’s directly unfolding with Carrie or Chris.
In Buzzkill, Agudong plays Nora, a sorority sister who, after witnessing a murder while drunk at a party, becomes convinced the police have arrested the wrong person. The plot revolves around her chaotic attempts to piece together the events of that night, guided by her “Drunk Nora” persona, while her friends wrestle with keeping her sober. The concept carries echoes of several films, blending elements from Memento, The Hangover, and the Drunken Master series. However, while the film has an interesting premise, it often feels cluttered and lacks polish in certain areas, especially with pacing and space management in the sorority house setting. Yet, Agudong shines through the chaos, reminiscent of Anna Faris in Smiley Face, delivering a captivating performance.
Buzzkill may not quite reach the comedic heights of Smiley Face, but Agudong navigates a varied emotional landscape throughout her portrayal, presenting different facets of Nora, from outrageous behavior to reflective self-exploration. Her commitment to the role is evident; it’s a dynamic showcase of her talents, even if it categorizes her as a Scream Queen alongside her role in Carrie.
Agudong is clearly focused on broadening her range as an actress. She took on an executive producer role for Buzzkill and is also promoting her upcoming project, Sidelined 3, while its closing credits roll on Tubi. Though this may seem like a step down after her breakout in Carrie, the success of young adult adaptations like To All the Boys and The Kissing Booth suggests that she could break into a wider arena soon, especially considering her upcoming participation in Extraction 3 alongside Chris Hemsworth.
Overall, Buzzkill serves as a valuable platform for Agudong, offering a glimpse of a rising talent before she embarks on the next chapter of her career.
