The Long Walk

Film: The Long Walk

Year: 2025

Director: Francis Lawrence

Writer: JT Mollner

Starring: Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson and Garrett Wareing

Review:

Now this is a film that I was excited about when I heard it was being made. I was also leery. I originally read this in high school and then gave it another go more recently. The concept is simple enough, but it is terrifying. It also doesn’t feel like we’re that far from elements that are used. I was able to see this on the opening day at the Gateway Film Center. I’ve also now given it a rewatch on VOD as part of my 2025 end of year roundup.

Synopsis: in a dystopian, alternative-America ruled by a totalitarian regime, a group of teenage boys compete in an annual contest known as ‘The Long Walk’, where they must maintain a certain walking speed or be executed, until only one survivor remains.

We start this with the letter that our lead character received, informing him that he’s been selected for this year’s event. His name is Raymond Garraty (Cooper Hoffman). His mother, Ginnie (Judy Greer), is dropping him off. We can see that she’s visibly upset and wants him to change his mind. He tells her that he cannot do that. The cutoff date was the previous day and it’s too late.

After she leaves him, he meets others that are participating. He befriends Peter McVries (David Jonsson) quickly. They also make a group as they walk with Arthur Baker (Tut Nyuot) and Hank Olson (Ben Wang). There are others that they butt heads with like Gary Barkovitch (Charlie Plummer), who seems to like to push buttons. There’s also the favorite, Stebbins (Garrett Wareing).

A little more backstory for this event. One male from each state is selected. It is claimed to be voluntary, but as the guys figure out, most everyone signs up. The goal is to be the last one left. If you win, you are given money and one wish. You must maintain a speed of three miles per hour. If you fall below that, you are given a warning. You can get three of these at a time until you’re executed. If you walk for an hour, you remove a warning. Also, if you step off the road, that’s an automatic killing. This ‘game’ is run by The Major (Mark Hamill).

The event then starts and we see different strategies. You are to never stop. They walk throughout the night and continue on until there’s the last person. This includes no bathroom breaks. They are given food daily and water canteens when needed. They are given numbers, to easily identify them. We see Barkovitch get a rock in his shoe and need to get it out. He’s given three warnings in the process. He also messes with Rank (Daymon Wrightly), which bothers the rest of the group with the result.

We then see what happens the longer everyone goes. Some people break down early and are taken out. Others go much longer. Regardless, it is a toll both physically and mentally. We also learn more about the motivations to do this and the state of the world that would allow something as barbaric as this, considering it is televised.

That is where I’ll leave my recap and introduction to the characters. Where I’ll start is that this film has basic premises. We know that it's set in the near future. There isn’t much difference in the technology available. What is impressive is that this was written back in the 1970s and it still translates well to a modern audience. If anything, we’re back in the state of the world where it is terrifyingly possible that something like this could be enacted. A bit more background is that a civil war happened and it seems a fascist government is now in control. It feels very Orwellian.

Now that I’ve set that up a bit more, this is more of a character study. First and foremost, of our lead characters, Garraty and McVries. As we progress, we learn more about the other characters. If you just think about the concept, it would be boring. The characters are walking at a good pace, but it's not fast. It's about endurance and how long your body can hold up. Decisions made also wear on characters mentally or just breaking down from exhaustion. Seeing that effect and the parts that we learn helped me connect. It made me care about what would happen to them.

Garraty and McVries, despite vastly different pasts, grow close during the competition. Garraty, from a good upbringing, unknowingly mirrors his father's mistakes, while McVries' difficult past has given him a unique appreciation for life. What is interesting there is the influence and pointing out flaws from their different perspectives is something that stuck out to me with the second watch. I want to give credit to Hoffman and Jonsson for what they brought to their characters to bring them to life. Both do an excellent job.

Something else to bring up is that JT Mollner, our writer, does a subtle job at introducing this world without being too in your face with the commentary. William Garraty (Josh Hamilton) was punished for showing forbidden art to his son, a form of censorship likely to prevent rebellion, echoing George Orwell’s ‘1984’. The nation, financially ruined by war, started this morbid game both to reduce population and inspire citizens. It also fulfills that morbid curiosity to see public executions. This makes for an interesting reflection on humanity.

Let’s then shift over to discuss the filmmaking aspects. The cinematography and framing excel at capturing the game's bleak Midwestern setting, which is drab, flat, and lacks color. The demoralizing rain and director Francis Lawrence's brutal, realistic portrayal of competitors' deaths (likely a mix of practical and CGI effects) are well-done. The effective sound design and fitting music enhances the tone and atmosphere.

All that is left then would be the acting performances. Hoffman and Jonsson lead a cast, including Wareing, Nyuot, Wang, and Plummer, who all deliver distinct and impressive performances. Greer excels as the conflicted mother, a role that resonated deeply. Hamilton's flashbacks effectively develop Garraty. Hamill is excellent as the stoic, villainous major. Overall, the acting is superb.

Then just a bit more commentary to delve into with this second watch. The first is that multiple characters point out that they’re not here to make friends. Despite this sentiment, they do. That is just human nature, especially with those going through the same thing that you are. It also sparks a look at male vulnerability. They’re forced to talk about what they’re going through since they don’t have much else in the way of distractions. There’s also the concept of how you can’t avoid the inevitable death. They’re tempting fates in order to win this. It is also the loss of innocence.

In conclusion, this successfully translates Richard Bachman’s (Stephen King's) chilling vision to the screen, delivering a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience. While its simple premise could have been monotonous, the film thrives as a character study, bolstered by strong performances from Hoffman and Jonsson, who anchor the narrative with their compelling portrayal of friendship amidst desperation. Mollner's subtle writing, Lawrence’s stark direction and expert technical execution creates a world that feels terrifyingly plausible. Hamill's villainous turn as The Major further solidifies this adaptation as a powerful and impactful cinematic achievement.

My Rating: 8.5 out of 10