Movie Review: The Long Walk

Popular culture is always going to be a reflection of the time in which it exists, both as a representation of it and a reflection on what those of us alive during a particular era want to see. With its darkly compelling and emotionally harrowing storyline, The Long Walk, based on a book by Stephen King, couldn’t feel more apt for the current state of the world. It’s so bleak that those looking for escapism will probably want to look elsewhere for their entertainment, but those of us who can find some catharsis in seeing our worries reflecting back at us will find much to appreciate here.

In a dystopian America that has been devastated by an unnamed war, the government holds an annual event in which boys from each state are selected via “voluntary” lottery to compete for great riches. All they have to do is start walking, and keep walking at a speed of at least 3mph, non-stop, for as long as they can, until only one remains. Everyone who fails is shot on the spot.

Ray (Cooper Hoffman) and Peter (David Jonsson) quickly become friends as they begin the trek, with their relationship forming the emotional core of the story. While everyone involved gives compelling performances, these two, and Jonsson in particular, stun in their roles. Each is believably sympathetic, and they share such a natural, easygoing chemistry that everyone in the audience will wish to be included in their friend group (though obviously under better circumstances).

When the violence kicks in, and it doesn’t take long to do so, it is brutal and heartbreaking. So much so that I hesitate to even call this movie “entertainment”, as there are stretches that are almost agonizing to observe. That they live in a society that claims such pointless sacrifice is somehow patriotic or noble is only made more disturbing by the realization that we do too when we send young men off to fight in futile wars or trivialize the suffering of so many here at home.

The competition known as “The Long Walk” will hopefully never resemble a real event, though it sometimes feels frighteningly possible, but it still serves as a haunting reflection of the worst of humanity. As adapted by screenwriter JT Mollner (Strange Darling) and director Francis Lawrence (The Hunger Games), this is the sort of imminently watchable but disturbing film that will linger with the viewer long after they leave the theater, dampening their spirits for at least a few hours. Thoughtfully tragic, genuinely tense, and emotionally devastating, The Long Walk is the feel-bad movie of the year. ★★★★★