REVIEW: “The Long Walk” (2025)

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In ‘The Long Walk,’ the initial premise might seem a bit absurd at first glance. However, as director Francis Lawrence (‘The Hunger Games’ series) delves deeper, an array of themes blossom, predominantly manifested through the film’s young characters. Despite impressive acting and its thought-provoking thematic depth, ‘The Long Walk’ is marred by some minor inconveniences that cumulatively grow into significant frustrations.

The movie ‘The Long Walk,’ scripted by JT Mollner, is adapted from Stephen King’s 1979 novel of the same title. It portrays a dystopian America, where society has crumbled due to an unspecified catastrophe resulting in widespread poverty and hunger. The story unfolds in a regime that appears totalitarian, with the villain, The Major, played by Mark Hamill, serving as an almost comical embodiment of this oppressive power.

In this strikingly beautiful United States, The Long Walk is an annual event where one representative from each state is selected by lottery to take part. These participants, referred to as ‘walkers,’ convene at a designated starting point and continue walking until only one survivor remains. The victor is rewarded with a substantial monetary prize and a single wish granted by The Major. However, there are rigorous guidelines in place. Walkers must keep up a pace of 3 miles per hour and stay on the road; any violation of these rules results in instant punishment.

As I take my seat in the theater, the final straggler arrives – Raymond, played by Cooper Hoffman. His entrance is marked by an instant connection with fellow competitor Peter (David Jonsson). The stage is set for the competition to begin, and a diverse array of characters is introduced. Among them are the foul-mouthed Hank (Ben Wang), the imposing physical presence of Stebbins (Garrett Wareing), the spiritual Arthur (Tut Nyuot), the obnoxious bully Barkovitch (Charlie Plummer), the quiet and reserved Collie (Joshua Odjick), and the anxious Curley (Roman Griffin Davis). Each one adds a unique flavor to this intriguing ensemble.

This film primarily focuses on a group of young men who walk throughout, placing the characters at the heart of the story. Lawrence skillfully navigates the narrative, overcoming the apparent constraints in the concept. Remarkably, the performances across the board are exceptional, with a majority of the cast being in their twenties. Every actor is fully engaged and dedicated, striving to infuse these characters with unique personalities.

However, the storyline isn’t always straightforward, swinging between impressive and underwhelming moments. Many problems stem from the characters who, despite their unique physical appearances and overly apparent personality traits, lack significant differences. The only meaningful distinctions among them are found in vague personal anecdotes that frequently precede a character’s demise. There was ample opportunity to develop these characters more thoroughly, particularly during the initial stages. Regrettably, a considerable amount of this time is dedicated to superficial teenage chatter from actors who appear older than their dialogue suggests.

Initially, some characters stand out more than others in this narrative, and the bond between Raymond and Peter is particularly gripping. The story explores profound themes like survival, nihilism, humanity, and brotherhood (among others). It’s brutally honest, fitting within its bleak environment. However, certain character issues persist throughout, making the plot even more challenging to follow. Unfortunately, the conclusion seems confusing and doesn’t quite add up. Despite these flaws, there’s much to appreciate in it.

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2025-09-13 18:57