By Bring some tissues, the bleak dystopian horror ‘The Long Walk’ is so intensely traumatizing, bone-chilling and gut-wrenchingly emotional.
The very first novel penned by Stephen King (1966) makes its way to theaters this September, as visionary director Francis Lawrence (THE HUNGER GAMES) translated the long overdue adaptation with a screenplay by J.T. Mollner. The nihilistic and harrowing film takes viewers on a hopeless grueling journey that encompasses obstacles that will leave you in tears. The brilliant script, Orwellian cinematography, eerie score and superb performances make this an incredible yet horrifying experience.
THE LONG WALK stars Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Roman Griffin Davis, Jordan Gonzalez, Joshua Odjick, Josh Hamilton, with Judy Greer, and Mark Hamill.
The disturbingly chilling graphic and highly emotional dystopian horror thriller features a literal “do or die” contest where teenage boys participate in a grueling high-stakes competition where they must continuously walk or be shot by a member of their military escort. The nightmarish story centers on an oppressive and totalitarian regime in a post-war United States where money is scarce and the military holds absolute power. The merciless original story that challenges viewers with one haunting question: how far would you go? – was written in the early 60’s under King’s infamous pen name Richard Bachman, and wasn’t published until 1979.
The straightforward yet macabre rules of the chilling annual contest impact the entire nation. Fifty boys picked by a lottery enter a televised marathon of the excruciating journey. The boys must walk, and keep walking, while maintaining a speed of at least three miles per hour or risk execution. If participants fall below the required pace, they will get a warning. If they are unable to reach the speed within 10 seconds, they will get an additional warning. Three warnings and they’re out. The contest ends when only one walker remains alive. But “the winner is granted the ultimate prize: riches beyond belief and any wish he desires.”
Note: The number of participating young men, walking speed, time between warnings, and other details are specific to the film and differ from the book.
Known for his horror, thriller, science fiction, and fantasy novels and short stories, Stephen King is often called the “King of Horror” and is considered one of the most beloved writers of all time. So many of his bestsellers have haunted audiences around the world, and have been adapted into timeless classics on film. However, the most intriguing aspect of this particular story – ‘The Long Walk’ is that there is nothing supernatural about it, instead it is a horrifying and suspenseful exploration of human nature.
Described by photojournalist and author Heidi Strengell in her book Dissecting Stephen King: From the Gothic to Literary Naturalism as one of King’s “most pessimistic novels.” The emotionally taxing story centers on the representation of humanity and morality through its characters. It explores the brutality and horrors of authoritarianism, desperation when there is no financial security, and the horrifying concept of Reality TV and a desensitized divided world.
The audience isn’t only watching as a spectator but sharing the contestants moments of sheer exhaustion, fear, and reckless ambition. Originally written in 1967 as an allegory for the Vietnam War, King’s novel feels just as eerily relevant in 2025. The film resonates on a much deeper level as it is a metaphor and reflection of contemporary America and the disappearing “American dream.” King has a way of depicting existential nihilism and this adaptation further explores these extreme ideas, where people are so desperate and are left with no choice other than to risk their lives for a better life.
The film kind of leaves it up to interpretation on whether the contestants actually have a “choice” or are socially conditioned. The contest boasts giving these young men an opportunity to showcase determination, pride, and ambition, essentially an allegory for serving or honoring your country. The existential competition results in horrifying circumstances and witnessing the psychological weight of the contestants is purely traumatizing.
From the very first step to the last we watch the literal deterioration and the limits of the human body. Any single factor can have deadly consequences from a momentary leg cramp, to a bad stomach, weather conditions, food rations, exhaustion, moments of panic, or a hole in your shoe could mean a warning or death. Throughout the film we lose some of the contestants to terrible painful deaths from convulsions, fainting, cramps, sun stroke, exhaustion, pneumonia, insanity, food rations, pain and injuries like intestinal cramping and internal hemorrhage.
While the film displays these horrific moments, they aren’t glorified or trauma porn but rather dynamic displays of tension and danger that build up the shocking story instead of the ‘walking’ feeling repetitive. The film absolutely had to be R-Rated and as brutal as the book to keep true to King’s grittiness and authenticity.
Cinematographer Jo Willems who also worked on the Hunger Games franchise, and 30 Days of Night, crafted a truly Orwellian cinematic experience that matched the films nihilistic tone. His wide-angle lenses of bleak color-drained palettes and dark grayish bleak hues against simplistic backdrops of isolated terrain left the viewers feeling hopeless and like the walk would never end. Paired with Jeremiah Fraite’s eerie score, the film evoked an inevitable sense of dread, control and disorientation.
While the film centers on the concept of “Walk or Die” the most important theme is the bonds made along the way. Rather than focus on the government the film focuses entirely on these young men, their brotherhood, and their emotional journey which carries the most weight of the film. The cast and notable script made us care deeply about each of these characters, and the performances are the true highlight of the film.
The script really gave us a deeper look at the raw and authentic friendships built through tragedy and adversity. These circumstances aren’t just challenging but the horrific moments of fear built bonds instead of just competitors. Throughout the film we see true nurturing friendships built, and the musketeers creating strategies to survive as a team.
A line that really hits is a conversation early on between leads Ray (Cooper Hoffman) and Peter (David Jonsson), when Peter states “hoping that part gets easier” and Ray replies “that’s what I’m afraid of.” This chilling line stood out as it reflects death becoming so common in everyday life that people have become desensitized, not necessarily by choice but a way of coping or deflecting from pain.
The perfect casting was essential to the filmmakers as they handpicked a youthful ensemble they described as “buzzing with energy and stamina, but also with the drive to dive deep.” According to the director (Lawrence), he “sought out actors with the courage of their convictions, willing to follow their instincts. He asked each to develop his own personal ideas about his character’s beliefs and blind spots, about how they dress, talk, walk, dream, and plan to survive. Early on, a live-wire table read with the entire cast set the tone. Like the walk’s contestants, they started the day as wary, nervous strangers, blooming into closer comrades.”
This was depicted on screen so naturally and truly felt like every single character was a unique individual with their own thoughts, ideals, morals and well-developed backgrounds. Learning the boys backstories and reasons for joining the walk truly made each story feel authentic, tragic and personal.
As the boys developed different accents and established backgrounds, and even had different choices of props they each brought a different level of authenticity on screen even if they were at times an antagonist.
The incredibly raw performances from leads Ray (Cooper Hoffman) and Peter (David Jonsson) show these two are embarking on very promising careers. Raymond Garraty (Hoffman) is an easygoing and empathic natural-born leader. He’s the only character we get to see interact with their own family.
Hoffman brings a brave yet naive and naturally charming personality to his character. He truly believes in his participation although he doesn’t want to leave his mother, he still wants to avenge his father. Ray is very vocal about the bloodshed and horrid conditions. It’s later revealed his complicated reasoning for joining the walk in the first place.
His ideology of revenge contrasts with Pete’s outlook on creating better lives for the future of humanity. He confides in Pete as an allie early on, which emerges into a true altruistic friendship.
Peter McVries (Jonsson) is the most confident and optimistic of the bunch, he usually has a plan, a silver lining, and a piece of advice. Pete focuses on the moments of beauty and looks for the light in the darkness while wishing to change the world. Pete serves as the spiritual core of the entire group, he offers empathy and compassion and helps build the overall team morale without letting his past define him.
The shared laughs between Pete and Ray offer small glimpses of hope that these two will make it together as far as possible. The real tragedy and overall highlight of the film is the brotherly bonds formed and the impending loss. Even as the gruesomeness of the walk intensifies, Pete still challenges Ray’s value system and offers a guiding light. All of the other characters not only add depth to the leads but are interesting characters nonetheless that offer some comedic value, competition, religious values, lessons or bonds.
While the boys are the central focus of the film, we do get some powerful brief moments with Ray’s mother, Mrs. Garraty (Judy Greer) and the horrifying experience of watching her son compete as some sort of cruel spectacle. After her husband is killed by The Major, she raises Ray as a single mother, and we see a loving protective mother experience such profound grief and fear for her child’s safety.
The other adult figure we get some brief time with is the authoritarian figure of The Major (Mark Hamill, who has the unrelenting privilege of riding along watching the boys from above. He shows no emotion, no empathy or compassion. Not much is known about this character aside from him serving as the figurehead and the ruthless originator of the agonizing televised competition. He yells slogans to motivate and intimidate the contestants. His character serves as more of a metaphor for fear, extremism, nationalism and false pride. Hearing the national anthem at the end of the film was probably one of the most chilling moments in terms of reflecting a contemporary America.
As early as the 1980s there was chatter about a feature film, and now the faithful adaptation finally hits the big screen next week.
“When I first read Stephen King’s The Long Walk over twenty years ago, there was something about its simplicity — a group of young men walking — that struck me as both horrifying and deeply human.”
“My goal with this film is to honor what makes King’s novel such a powerful experience: the unforgettable characters, the relentless pace, and the uncomfortable questions it asks about who we are and what we value. I want audiences to leave the theater thinking not just about what they’ve seen, but about the world they’re part of.” – Lawrence
Rating: 9/10
The open-ended ending is just as discouraging because you essentially lose all hope and are left with such a despairing outlook on life. Bring some tissues, the bleak dystopian horror ‘The Long Walk’ is so intensely traumatizing, bone-chilling and gut-wrenchingly emotional. The harrowing exploration of human nature digs deep and is so profoundly moving and emotionally taxing, you will instantly want to call your loved ones and remember to appreciate what you have. THE LONG WALK hits theaters on September 12th.
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