The Long Walk

If you're into intense, thought-provoking dystopian thrillers, The Long Walk might be right up your alley. Directed by Francis Lawrence and based on Stephen King's 1979 novel (written under his Richard Bachman pseudonym), this 2025 film throws you into a chilling alternate version of 1970s America. Here, a totalitarian regime stages a brutal annual event where 50 teenage boys are forced to walk nonstop—literally. If they slow down below 3 miles per hour or stop, they get three warnings. After that? They're executed. The last one standing wins a life-changing prize.

The story follows Raymond "Ray" Garraty, one of the unlucky participants, as he navigates the physical and emotional toll of the walk, forming bonds and rivalries with the other boys along the way. The cast includes Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, Charlie Plummer, and even Mark Hamill in a chilling role as the enigmatic Major who oversees the deadly contest.

What makes The Long Walk stand out is its emotional depth and character-driven storytelling. Critics have praised the performances—especially Hoffman and Jonsson—for bringing real heart to a bleak and brutal premise. The cinematography has also been highlighted for its stark, haunting beauty, and the film’s score, including the original song “Took a Walk,” adds to the atmosphere.

That said, this movie isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for fast-paced action or a neatly explained world, you might find it a bit sparse. Some reviewers felt the plot left too many questions unanswered and that the minimalist approach to world-building required a bit too much imagination from the audience. Others found the premise hard to swallow or felt the film leaned too heavily on its grim tone.

But if you appreciate slow-burn tension, character studies, and dystopian themes with a psychological edge, The Long Walk delivers a gripping and emotionally resonant experience. It’s not just about survival—it’s about what people are willing to endure, and what they’re willing to sacrifice, for a chance at something better.

With a solid box office performance and mostly positive reviews, The Long Walk has carved out a place as one of the more memorable Stephen King adaptations in recent years. Just be ready for a heavy, haunting ride.