A story based on a successful novel that does not have an outlined protagonist, how did they execute it?
The Long Walk (2025), directed by Francis Lawrence, is the new adaptation of Stephen King’s 1979 novel of the same name. Set in alternative America, the story follows fifty teenage boys as they participate in the annual competition known as the Long Walk. The boys must maintain a pace of three miles per hour without stopping, or risk execution.
In dystopian, alternative universe version of America, the country has been ravaged by war and laziness is considered society’s biggest issue. To instill discipline and grit, the government introduces the Long Walk, a brutal endurance competition in which only one boy will survive. Each state has one volunteer, and the grand prize is financial freedom.
During the Long Walk, Ray Garraty (Cooper Hoffman) quickly sparks up a friendship with fellow contestant, Peter McVries (David Jonnson). Their friendship evolves through the many trials and tribulations the boys must face, highlighting the importance of human connection.
Hoffman’s portrayal of Ray is compelling, and he perfectly captures the emotional turmoil and complexity of emotions his character goes through. Jonsson’s Pete serves as a foil to Ray, and the chemistry between the two serves as the emotional core of this film. The supporting cast, including Garrett Wareing, Ben Wang, and Tut Nyuot, do an amazing job at conveying both the camaraderie and despair of the boys.
The film emphasizes the monotony and tension during the Long Walk, and features denaturized, long takes in many desolate landscapes. The highlight of the film is Jeremiah Fraites’ score. Perfectly timed themes manage to heighten the emotional intensity of key scenes.
Stephen King has said that the novel was inspired by John F. Kennedy’s 50-mile march from the 1960s, when the Boy Scouts attempted these marches in order to promote better fitness. King took this idea and transformed it into a metaphor about life during the military draft for the Vietnam War. By contemporaneously the ideas of life under authoritarianism into the film, the message of survival being a political act is quite clear.
The story can also be taken as a cautionary tale about complicity in systems of violence. The boys know that the rules are unjust, but they sign up anyway. This mirrors the real-life idea of societies normalizing unjust conditions or treatment. The film also forces its audiences to think about how much we are willing to tolerate and if the cost is worth it.
The Long Walk is an exploration of endurance, morality, and love in a dystopian, alternative universe. With compelling performances, a memorable score, and haunting themes, this film is a must-watch.
Contributed Photo/The Long Walk movie poster
