The Long Walk

If you're into dystopian thrillers with a heavy emotional punch, The Long Walk might be right up your alley. Directed by Francis Lawrence and based on Stephen King's 1979 novel (written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman), this 2025 film throws you into a chilling alternate version of 1970s America. The country is ruled by a totalitarian regime, and every year, fifty teenage boys are forced to compete in a brutal walking contest. The rules are simple but deadly: keep walking at a minimum pace of 3 miles per hour, or you're executed. Only one boy can win, and the prize is a life-changing wish.

The movie stars Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson, whose performances have been widely praised for their emotional depth and authenticity. They’re joined by a strong ensemble cast including Garrett Wareing, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, and even Mark Hamill in a chilling role as the enigmatic Major. The film was shot chronologically, which adds a raw, evolving intensity to the characters’ physical and emotional journeys.

Visually, The Long Walk is stark and haunting, with cinematography that captures both the bleakness of the world and the humanity of the boys trapped in it. The score, composed by Jeremiah Fraites, adds to the atmosphere, and the original song “Took a Walk” by Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson Jr. gives the film a haunting musical anchor.

Critics have mostly responded positively. It holds an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many praising the performances and emotional weight. Some, however, found the premise a bit thin or the ending too ambiguous. If you like your dystopian stories with clear world-building and tidy conclusions, this might not be your favorite. But if you're okay with a bit of mystery and enjoy character-driven narratives, there's a lot to appreciate here.

The Long Walk isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s intense, emotionally draining, and doesn’t shy away from the darker sides of human nature. But for fans of Stephen King adaptations, survival thrillers, or stories that explore the cost of hope and sacrifice, it’s a gripping watch that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Just be prepared to walk a mile—or a few hundred—in these characters’ shoes.