‘The Long Walk’ is a straight line to one of Stephen King’s darkest concepts

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The situation in “The Long Walk,” an adaptation of Stephen King’s 1979 novel (written under the pen name Richard Bachman), is quite dire. It can be compared to “The Hunger Games” for teenage boys or “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” for Generation Z. These works explore the harsh realities and devastating consequences of American capitalism, a system that gradually corrodes from within.

Stephen King’s debut novel, ‘The Long Walk’, was penned approximately eight years before his first published book, ‘Carrie’. Set in a bleak, totalitarian future America, the story revolves around a chilling premise: A lottery selects 100 teenage boys to compete in a grueling march where only one can survive. The journey spans multiple days and hundreds of miles, with survivors being given a warning if they slow down. After receiving three warnings, it’s lethal. This deadly walk is broadcasted as motivation for workers to boost their productivity.

In this movie, Cooper Hoffman plays Ray, a central character. Another significant figure is Pete, portrayed by David Jonsson. Rapidly forming a bond, these two young men transform into brothers as they journey together. Along the way, they experience various types of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual hardships, similar to those experienced by other boys they encounter, forge friendships with, aid, and fight alongside on the pavement.

Title “The Long Walk” is helmed by Francis Lawrence, known for directing many “Hunger Games” films and prequels. The script was penned by JT Mollner, famous for his 2023 pop noir film “Strange Darling.” This movie explores the concept of young individuals volunteering for brutal systems due to extreme desperation, and the chilling idea that their demise is consumed as entertainment.

Movies

This fall, there are some exciting films on the horizon, including a biopic about Bruce Springsteen, an adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Running Man,” and the sequel to “Wicked.”

Here’s another variation to keep it concise yet engaging: This fall, anticipate blockbusters like a biopic on Bruce Springsteen, a movie version of Stephen King’s “The Running Man,” and the continuation of the “Wicked” series.

In this movie, there are two groups of viewers: those depicted within the film, who appear to be passively observing violence and brutality like spectators at a gladiatorial arena, and us, the audience, witnessing a film that critiques misuse of power. However, Lawrence fails to clearly differentiate these two types of audiences. The movie starts without showing who is watching this walk, aside from occasional glimpses of uninterested bystanders on the roadside. Yet, even before the title appears, we as viewers are immediately exposed to a graphic scene – a bullet tearing through a young boy’s face. This stark image sets the tone for the movie, suggesting that it doesn’t shy away from displaying intense and disturbing content in various forms, leaving no doubts about its willingness to confront tough themes head-on.

Are we somehow participating in this grim peeping, though? Why is it disturbing to watch a child’s head explode in a movie, something that tragically occurs in real-life schools in the U.S.? Every time there’s a mass shooting in America, it seems like Pete and Ray have a conversation that mirrors this, a dialogue that holds deep meaning yet is just another occurrence.

Mollner and Lawrence focus primarily on the boys’ experiences, subtly hinting at a desensitizing theme without explicitly stating it. The narrative is filled with the harsh reality of their degrading treatment. Pete, portrayed by an infectious enthusiasm and appreciation for life’s beauty, significantly influences Ray, who initially comes seeking revenge against the Major (played by Mark Hamill) but also grapples with a broken heart over his mother (Judy Greer). Ray demonstrates sharp intellect, but his transformation is emotional rather than strategic – learning to perceive the world as Pete does, yet refraining from utilizing his natural leadership skills to lead a rebellion against their oppression.

As a movie enthusiast, I found “The Long Walk” to be a breathtaking display of the raw talents of its young cast, including Ben Wang, Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, and Joshua Odjick. Director Lawrence crafts the visuals with a minimalist approach, giving the film a hazy, vintage aesthetic that leaves the setting ambiguous, placing this tale in an undefined future. The message of “The Long Walk” is complex, carrying both a glimmer of hope and a sense of despair.

Katie Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

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2025-09-12 20:31