The Long Walk (2025) - A Testament of Survival

A short friendship is better than no friendship.

The Long Walk is a 2025 thriller, based on Stephen King’s 1979 novel. A group of teenagers competing in a deadly annual contest titled “The Long Walk” travels on miles and miles of hazardous roads. They are shot down if they dare slow down or stop.

It’s ironic to be sitting while watching a movie like The Long Walk when characters are facing a death march. It’s a brutal and intense film, showcasing depictions of death and torture to teenagers. In its horrific nature, The Long Walk is a darkly beautiful film about friendship.

The Long Walk cast a talented group of young actors. Actors not only had to withstand physical challenges but also deliver powerful emotional scenes. Each actor brings a distinct depth to their role.

Cooper Hoffman debuted in Licorice Pizza (2021), played Lorne Michaels in Saturday Night (2024), and here plays Raymond Garraty, the lead character, who is haunted by inner battles. Hoffman is coming into his own as an actor.

Coming off from his role as Andy in Alien: Romulus, David Johsson deserves an award for his immaculate performance as Peter McVries. Johsson is a gifted speaker. He has several gratifying monologues that showcase Peter’s genuinely motivated nature.

No small part is singled out in this film, ranging from side characters to background players in the contest. Garrett Wareling, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Joshua Gonzalez, and Joshua Odjick were excellent. I have researched what other films the actors have been in, and they each have versatile ranges. Some are just at the start of their acting careers.

Star Wars legend Mark Hamill doesn’t play a hero, but a monstrous villain as The Major. Judy Greer has a small role as Ray’s mother, Ginnie. While only appearing in three scenes, she is engrossing, conveying distraught emotions and a mother’s love with fierce strength. This is a side that is rarely seen in her trademark comedy.

Friendship is a major theme in the film. We haven’t seen friendship portrayed like this in a long time. Male friendships have not been represented enough lately. Yes, the boys joke and gawk at each other, but they discuss personal matters and look after each other. That friendship traveled off-camera as the actors would go to Dairy Queen on Friday nights, following filming.

The Long Walk has spent four decades before reaching the cinema, with Frank Darabont and George A. Romero attempting film adaptations. Hunger Games director Francis Lawrence stepped in to direct the feature. He emanates the film’s nature in every frame. The budget was tight, but Lawrence made careful and strategic decisions.

As you guessed, the characters walk for the duration. Cinematographer Jo Willems and editor Mark Yoshikawa compiled a visually striking film. Tracking shots spend durations watching characters converse.

While not as harrowing as depicted in the movie, the actors walked 15 miles per day in 100-degree heat. Filming transpired in Manitoba, Canada. It was said to be filmed in chronological order.

The Long Walk is not for the faint of heart. Blood, guts, and fractures transpire onscreen. Some scenes are depicted in the background, but it doesn’t make it easy to stomach. The violence is unsettling, eerily matching current world events.

One special screening of The Long Walk actually played up the film’s storyline and had attendees view this film while walking on treadmills. If someone stopped, they had to leave.

The theater is the setting to experience The Long Walk. It is a darkly beautiful film that crafts elements well.