The Long Walk Movie Review (Spoiler Free)

This bleak tale will have you gripping the sides of your seat from beginning to end. It's not a movie you walk away from. It is a movie that will walk all over you.

Genre: Horror / Sci-Fi / Thriller

Director: Francis Lawrence

Cast: Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Tut Nyuot, Ben Wang, Garret Wareing, Charlie Plummer, Joshua Odjick, Jordan Gonzalez, Judy Greer & Mark Hamill.

Run Time: 108 min.

US Release: 12 September 2025

UK Release: 12 September 2025

German Release: 11 September 2025

Adapted from a Stephen King book, written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, this dystopian survival thriller is an intense ride, as well as one of my most anticipated films of September. Granted, I’ve never read the novel (though it is on my “to-do” list), so I can’t really compare the two. It is directed by Francis Lawrence, who also helmed most of the Hunger Games instalments, though I wasn’t a big fan of the two Mockingjay parts, with his vision for such worlds really shining through in this one. So, slip into your boots and march with me down the long path of my review.

A group of fifty teenage boys are chosen to compete in an annually televised marathon. The rules are simple: maintain a certain walking speed, stay on the road, and if you can’t keep on going… you get shot. No finish line, only the last man standing wins.

A cinematic conversion was planned back in 1988, with George A. Romero attached to direct, though it never came to fruition. Then, in 2007, Frank Darabont acquired the rights, stating that he would “get to it someday”. Without production ever taking place, New Line set out to adapt King's work, with James Vanderbilt as producer. By 2023, Lionsgate obtained the rights, hiring JT Mollner to write the script, plus Lawrence to bring it to life.

The premise is straightforward; there are no major side arcs, structural metaphors or hidden meanings: what you see is what you get. Because of this simplicity, the plot moves at a brisk pace, requiring character development to unfold at the right moments, to remain impactful and maintain a level of tension. Mollner’s screenplay manages this masterfully, displaying the psychological plus emotional torment of the “walk” inflicts on the young men, while also highlighting the formation of fragile, unexpected friendships.

The narrative mostly excels at what it sets out to accomplish, but it does contain some wonky elements that do not quite work. For one, the world-building is kept shallow, leaning on exposition instead of visual storytelling to expand its totalitarian regime. The ending contradicts some of the previous moral views of the secondary lead, undermining the overarching theme of male friendship.

Dialogue is key to this feature, building suspense, fleshing out motivations, and exploring the boys’ moral compasses. Most of the social commentary, as well as their emotional states, is expressed through spoken exchanges. This makes specific conversations, particularly those between the leads, genuinely captivating. Sadly, it can also become a bit exposition-heavy, especially when outlining opinions about the views on the regime.

The film features a strong ensemble cast. Even more surprising is how it manages to explore even the short-term participants, emphasising its focus on the boys. Judy Greer, as Ray’s mother, Ginnie, makes a small yet powerful contribution.

Relative newcomer Cooper Hoffman, son of the late actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman, delivers a seamless, natural portrayal of Raymond “Ray” Garraty, the lead of the premise. His genuinely empathetic presence makes Ray immediately likeable, further grounding his journey. Ray himself is still recovering from a traumatic loss, seeking revenge, making him, in turn, relatable. Hoffman shares a strong on-screen chemistry with his co-star, who…

David Jonsson is the standout, outshining everyone else, continuing his streak of great performances after Alien: Romulus, just like Rye Lane. His portrayal of Peter is charismatic, instantly drawing in audiences with his natural gravitas. Peter is a born leader, motivating his crew to keep going. He takes great care of each member, making sure no one falls behind. This is especially true of Ray, with whom he shares an immediate bond.

Ben Wang, as Hank Olson, gives a strong rendition that elevates the group's dynamic. Hank belongs to the core four, contributing an integral moment to the picture by leaving an emotionally heavy gut punch. Tut Nyuot is equally important as Arthur Baker, adding to the strong atmosphere of camaraderie, leaving a lasting impression.

Finally, we have Mark Hamill in one of his easiest roles ever. His part is limited, but he plays it with such conviction, one can’t help but build an immediate distaste for the Major. While the one-note characterisation adds to his villainous mystique, he still feels rather thin.

For the most part, the camera follows the contestants along their march through the United States. Dynamic continuous sequences, as well as eye-level angles, create the illusion that the viewer is participating in the competition as a member of the group. Only a handful of flashbacks are integrated to further explain the lead's motivation for joining the “Long Walk”. The landscape shots of the vast emptiness of the Northeast are meant to evoke the desolate nature of the dystopian setting. The framing of violent segments highlights the horror these young adults endure, intensifying the journey.

The constricted cinematography, paired with the vacant countryside, effectively contrasts with the brutality of the competition. The practical effects, makeup, plus prosthetics work used to visualise injuries or other bodily functions are recreated beautifully. The same can’t be said of the character's overall appearance, which should have looked more physically degraded after walking for days without rest or sleep, breaking the illusion somewhat.

The sound of the marching footsteps underlines the flick’s exhausting tone, enhancing the inescapable psychological horror these characters are trapped in. The score, composed by Jeremiah Fraites, becomes a perfect companion to the screenplay with its melancholic undertones.

---

Verdict: The story may follow a simple structure, yet it hits with surprising force, especially in the quieter moments that spotlight the boys’ growing friendships amid a barbaric national tradition. Francis Lawrence’s direction gives the film a constant sense of dread, while Jo Willems’ brisk, purposeful editing ensures the pacing never lags or loses tension. Despite its simplicity, the character dynamics bring real weight, grounding the dystopian nightmare in authentic human connection. That said, the world-building could have used more depth, as the regime feels like a sketch rather than a fully realised presence. The ending, too, undercuts part of the journey, feeling like a betrayal that doesn’t entirely match the emotional stakes the film builds on. Still, these issues don’t erase how gripping the overall experience is. All in all, The Long Walk is an intense, haunting cinematic experience that grabs hold from the beginning and refuses to let go. I’ll give The Long Walk a 7.5 out of 10.

Did you see this new adaptation of one of King’s first published works? What did you think? Do you agree with me? Thank you so much for reading! If you like the content, share & like!