What happens to Peter McVries? The Long Walk ending explained

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After more than 300 miles, The Long Walk concludes at a poignant (and somewhat unclear) point – and if you’re unsure about the ending or need some explanations, this is just the spot for you.

Stephen King’s films are often talked about for their captivating endings, such as Thomas Jane exiting to find a tank rolling down the street in The Mist (a scene that speaks volumes to those who’ve seen it), the reunion of Red and Andy in Zihuatanejo in The Shawshank Redemption, or the final words typed by Gordie in Stand By Me.

These settings can sometimes appear dreary, frightening, enigmatic, but there are moments when they offer a glimmer of hope. However, it’s important to note that this hope is not present in “The Long Walk,” whether referring to the original book or the recent film version.

The movie traces the journey of Raymond Garraty (played by Cooper Hoffson) and Peter McVries (David Jonsson), two participants in a nationwide contest where competitors must keep walking at more than 3MPH until only a single victor remains. However, it seems that things aren’t as clear-cut by the end… or so it would appear.

How does The Long Walk end?

In the final moments of The Long Walk, Garraty voluntarily ends his life so McVries might survive. He does this in hope that McVries will utilize the riches more effectively. True to his respect for Garraty, McVries grants his wish by requesting a gun and fatally shooting the Major. Afterward, he walks away, honoring Garraty’s memory.

At the 326-mile mark, it’s just Garraty, McVries, and Stebbins left. Garraty reveals that he’s the son of a man with many children, the Major, and if they win, he intends to use his prize wish to continue living in his father’s house. (Garret Wareing)

Despite thinking he was chosen for the competition as a pacesetter, or “rabbit”, to make the race last longer than usual, his health deteriorating, he willingly chose to fall behind, allowing Garraty and McVries to proceed. As he says, “I’m glad it’s you two,” we hear a gunshot, implying that he was shot after expressing those words.

Five miles on, Garraty and McVries stroll into a bustling urban area, with crowds lining the streets. As McVries tries to kneel down, conceding victory to Garraty, Garraty firmly rejects his gesture. When McVries questioningly asks him why he’s persisting, Garraty responds: “Acting as a brother to my brother… I may not see it, but you do, and that’s why I care for you so deeply.

While continuing their journey, Garraty suddenly comes to a halt, unnoticed by McVries. By the time McVries realizes this, it’s already too late for intervention. The soldiers then open fire on Garraty, ending their walk as fireworks illuminate the night sky.

The Commander commends McVries and inquires about his desires. Instead of using his wish to further global aspirations, he requests a rifle from the soldier next to him. Pointing the gun at the Commander’s head, he tells McVries not to squander all he has achieved.

Reflecting on my thoughts, I utter, “Dedicating this moment to Ray,” before taking action. The gun discharges, causing his body to collapse onto the pavement, leaving me all alone on that street. Glancing back once, I continue walking away as the movie draws to a close.

Does Peter McVries die in The Long Walk?

There’s no definitive confirmation about whether Peter McVries is alive or dead, but the enigmatic conclusion of “The Long Walk” allows for both interpretations; any interpretation of the movie is equally plausible.

For instance, McVries being found standing solo in a dreary, rain-soaked street immediately after firing at the Major might suggest that he’s no longer alive. One would think that the other soldiers would have swiftly taken him out upon hearing the gunshot, wouldn’t they?

Alternatively, it could be said that McVries might have survived the shooting of the Major, but that act plunged him into an eternal darkness. This was precisely why Garraty knew McVries would squander his wish.

Reflect on this: In the movie, when Garraty vows to transform into a person capable of taking another life, McVries remarks, “That’s quite unfortunate.” Later, when Garraty lifts McVries and gives up his own life, he says, “I can’t fathom it, but you seem to understand.

Instead of focusing on what McVries can’t see, let’s talk about what he envisions beyond his quest for revenge: He saw possibilities for utilizing the money and his desire to aid others as a chance to create a fresh beginning, rather than a mere step towards an end goal.

Yet, with the Major’s fall, McVries finds himself plunged into near-darkness. Unable to discern his path forward, he sacrifices not only his own future but potentially the world’s as well, driven by his profound brotherly love.

The Long Walk is currently showing in movie theaters. Feel free to explore our collection of the greatest horror films ever made, and discover other exciting releases coming up in 2025 by checking out our movie schedule for that year.

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2025-09-12 10:19