By: Malasha Parker
With inspiring performances, The Long Walk shares a story about survival as Stephen King’s 1970s novel reached the big screen directed by The Hunger Games’ Francis Lawrence. And Lawrence delivers a compelling and energizing film. This beautiful, yet doomed plot keeps viewers enthralled in the long walk to see who will win the prize money and what will be the thing they ask for in the end.
Based on the novel The Long Walk, the film follows fifty young men as they travel across the states in a dystopian post war world. The Major (Mark Hamill) watches over them as they travel down the long road. The boys are meant to keep their walking speed at a pace of three miles per hour or they risk being shot after three warnings. The boys learn life lessons, grow bonds with each other and show what humanity is throughout their burdening long walk. Though the boys start out not knowing each other, they begin to learn more about each other’s personalities and the why behind them entering the raffle for the long walk. Lawrence is able to maintain the flow of the film by capturing the endless and tumultuous emotions that fluctuate throughout the film.
As anticipated, David Jonsson and Cooper Hoffman are phenomenal in this film as viewers watch the instant bond they have as the characters Peter McVries and Raymond Garraty. The friendship between McVries and Garraty shines throughout the film and makes the other relationships the boys create along the way even more meaningful. Ray, quickly becoming the energizer of the group of fifty. Director Lawrence manages to maintain a steady pace for the film that doesn’t make it feel uneventful. It’s a great feat considering the plot of the film. The ensemble cast brings each character to life in their own way and make performances from Tut Nyuot, who plays Arthur Baker, Ben Wang, who plays Hank Olson, and Charlie Plummer, who plays Gary Barkovitch stand out. Each shot is directed to show the struggles they endure on this path. A particular standout scene between Peter, Ray and Art shows a heartbreaking moment near the end of the film that really drives home the severity of the consequences that come with completing the long walk.
The Long Walk may have a heavy plot, but it is an easy watch and leaves the viewers wishing there was more. It’s a film that brings forth questions about what one will endure to get what they want or need. The reveals from each boy throughout highlights how everyone has something important to accomplish in life. What may be important to one person, could seem dumb to another. It’s a great film about heartbreak, loneliness and decision-making. And with continued standout performances from Jonsson and Hoffman, The Long Walk is a 2025 must watch!