The Long Walk (2025) Film Review: Grueling dystopian thriller is both bleak and poignant

---

Set in a dystopian version of America ruled by a totalitarian regime, fifty teenage boys are randomly selected to participate in an annual contest known as 'The Long Walk'.

The competitors are each given water and food rations; however, they must maintain a walking speed of 3mph to avoid receiving their first warning. Three warnings, and the unfortunate is shot by the always observant soldiers. Only one survivor is allowed.

2025 has been a generous treat for Stephen King fans, with previous movie adaptations such as the horror black comedy The Monkey (2025) and the genre-defying The Life of Chuck (2025) hitting UK cinemas earlier this year.

King's novel The Long Walk was released back in 1979, and Francis Lawrence later became the director to helm the transition from page to the silver screen. Lawrence was already familiar with working with dark source material featuring young lives that are forced to partake in horrific game-like scenarios for audience spectacle, having previously directed three of the popular The Hunger Games films. JT Mollner was also brought on to write the screenplay.

In this dystopian version of America, 'The Long Walk' is an annual event/contest where a select number of teenage boys are chosen to compete. The rules are simple: walk, or die.

The film pulls no punches with its bleak, cynical outlook on this nightmarish alternative version of America and definitely earns its high rating certifications. Bold and unflinching, the movie very often forces viewers to watch the barbaric, inhumane treatment of these teenage boys, offering up multiple brutal, bloody deaths that are bound to stick in the mind for a while! The graphic violence depicted onscreen is viscerally repulsive, making for a genuinely disturbing watch as we see these events play out as a universally accepted, normal aspect of this corrupt society.

Although the vast majority of the run time is focused on the characters simply walking along a preset route, all captured in steady long takes, the film manages to remain engaging and riveting throughout. The actual title card does not appear until after audiences witness the first unsettling murder of a young boy, doing a great job at really hammering home the harrowing nature of the narrative.

Mollner efficiently crafts a tight, well-oiled screenplay that includes plenty of opportunities to add meaningful character growth and interactions, including very natural dialogue for the cast to have fun with. Loads of 'f' bombs are casually thrown about as the boys banter and get to know one another, building a believable group of teenage friendships or rivalries.

The movie is paced remarkably well despite the restrictions of its simple premise, consistently maintaining a strong, intimate character-focused narrative that explores the touching brotherly bonds formed between some of the boys and both the physical and mental challenges they must overcome to survive. Viewers are always aware of the deadly threat towards the walkers, with the army tanks ever present in the background of most shots, which allows for many nail-biting sequences filled with dread and tension as the boys are steadily picked off one by one.

The movie goes all in with showcasing the graphic brutality inflicted on young lives and the humiliating misery the characters are forced to suffer through to have a chance of making it to the bitter end

Every performance from the young cast is outstanding and is one of the main highlights of the film, with all of the major players sharing natural chemistry and a real sense of camaraderie. Both leading men, Cooper Hoffman, who plays the protagonist Ray Garraty, and David Jonsson, playing the charismatic Peter McVries, in particular, deliver incredibly powerful and emotionally resonant performances.

Over the course of the film's gruesome events, the boys steadily grow a genuine brotherly bond, with Jonsson's Peter providing some much-needed levity with his unwavering sense of optimism and hope, supporting Ray every step of the way, whether physically, by helping him keep the pace during exhausting nights, or acting as a strong moral compass for everyone to aspire to.

The authenticity and emotional maturity these two brought to the screen made for some truly hard-hitting, profound moments, and their commitment to maintaining their sense of humanity, no matter what they faced, made these characters easy to root for. Although the actors obviously did not have to commit to the impossible physical labour of their characters, these young professionals still had to shoot arduous walking sequences over and over again, and the physical toil on their bodies is incredibly tangible. One can only imagine the excruciating agony and repulsive scents that would permeate the air in this kind of scenario.

Mark Hamill is clearly having a blast in his despicable role as the completely irredeemable, monstrous Major, who oversees the event every year and occasionally pops out of his tank to congratulate the walkers for their perseverance. Hamill relishes every scene he is in, perfectly playing the part of this overwrought military leader figure, who clearly has no empathy for anyone or anything.

Another standout from the older cast members is Judy Greer, who plays Ray's devoted mother, Ginny. Despite not occupying too much screen time, her absolutely heartbreaking performance of a mother knowing her son is likely to die during the event definitely provides some of the film's most tear-jerking moments, further solidifying the devastating hopelessness of this macabre reality.

Cooper Hoffman's Ray (left) and David Jonsson's Peter (right) form a close bond during the walk, constantly relying on each other for physical and emotional support

Praise must also be given to the beautiful original score provided by Jeremiah Fraites, who also composed the music for a few of The Hunger Games movies. His contributions here greatly enhance the drama and emotional rawness of the film's heavy narrative, yet it never overshadows the talented cast and allows room for the actors to bring their own A game to each scene.

The Long Walk does not manage to tick every box, bogged down slightly by some cookie-cutter characters and a slightly underwhelming ending; however, the film is much more about the journey rather than its eventual destination. King's original premise and Mollner's screenplay are great, offering fascinating comparisons into our own world's political corruption and societal imbalances; there is an experienced visionary in the director's chair, and the performances are truly remarkable.

Definitely worth a watch at the cinema if you can stomach it! Just don't expect to be rushing back to this one any time soon, it's pretty grim stuff!

Check out the trailer for The Long Walk (2025), and please let me know your thoughts in the comments!