The Long Walk (dir. Francis Lawrence)

By Nick Zednik 

Hollywood’s obsession with adapting Stephen King’s work continues with The Long Walk by director Francis Lawrence (Hunger Games, I Am Legend) and writer JT Mollner (Strange Darling). Set in a dystopian future in which the United States has emerged from a cataclysmic war reformed  into a military dictatorship. As an annual contest, the government has instituted an event in which a group of young men are forced to walk along a pre-arranged route at a pace of at least 3 miles per hour. While the sole winner will be granted a prize of their choice, the not so lucky are brutally put out of their misery at the will of the armed guards that walk alongside them. 

At the heart of the story is Cooper Hoffman’s (Licorice Pizza) Raymond and David Jonsson’s (Alien: Romulus) Pete, both of whom establish a burgeoning bond worth rooting for upon their winning intentions. The two characters lead the doomed group and provide an emotional anchor for Lawrence's film. As tension reaches palpable levels with each fatality, the investment the film makes in its central characters serves King's gripping premise. The chemistry balances out nicely in the young cast as there's a clear distinction between those fueled by greed and those with sincere intent. Rounding out the cast are Hollywood veterans Judy Greer (13 Going On 30) and Mark Hamill (Star Wars). Greer, despite limited screen time, delivers the most emotionally-effective scenes in the film. Hamill plays the evil, one-note Major assigned to “motivating” the men. While he gets very little screen time, his character succeeds as the foil the young men are trying to overcome as opposed to being a fleshed out antagonist. While it's every man for themselves, the story evolves into an honest examination on the human spirit as the group forms a camaraderie within their shared bravery despite their selfish intentions.

Francis Lawrence shows no restraint on the violence as The Long Walk is not for the faint of heart. Every scene has a clear purpose with every fatality more brutal and impactful than the last. Lawrence’s direction is brilliantly executed through moments of hope and also despair as the brotherhood between the young men grows, there’s an uncomfortable sense of danger looming. There’s a frightening parallel The Long Walk draws at the current perception of today’s government and how oppression is viewed by those looking for change. Often noted for its social commentary, The Long Walk is primed to be a largely memorable Stephen King adaptation and a reminder that studios should keep investing in budget-friendly thrillers.

Nick’s Pick: 9/10 The Long Walk is a gripping, gruesome ticking time bomb of emotions and a heartfelt depiction of brotherhood. Cooper Hoffman commands the screen but it’s David Jonsson’s star-making presence that stands out as one of 2025's best performances.