As one of author Stephen King's very first novels, it's surprising The Long Walk hasn't been adapted for the big screen until 2025. In a time when similar narratives like Squid Game have achieved massive success, the timing for Francis Lawrence's adaptation of a national walking competition, promising unimaginable wealth to its winner, seems highly opportune.
Adapted by writer-director JT Mhler, The Long Walk highlights the journey of young men trudging through America for financial reward at the cost of near certain death. While King's original elements are sometimes updated in ways that muddy the protagonist's motivations, standout performances from Cooper Hoffman, David Johnson, Tut New Yacht, and Bin Wang help carry the film.
Set in an alternate yet recognizable United States, the story follows Raymond Gerity, played by Hoffman, a main native chosen to participate in the contest. The competition selects 50 candidates through a lottery, offering two prizes: a significant cash sum and a wish, provided it doesn’t alter laws or institutional structures. Gerity quickly connects with Peter McFre, played by Johnson, and the two form a bond to enhance their chances of survival.
Despite being a mid-level director in previous works like The Hunger Games, Lawrence navigates some missteps, but Mhler’s script keeps the action focused. Hoffman, finding his place post-Licorice Pizza, portrays a somewhat naïve and imprecise Gerity, yet displays growth. Johnson, however, outshines the ensemble with his nuanced performance, hinting at a promising career after his role in Alien Romulus.
The chemistry between Hoffman and Johnson is electric, crafting a captivating narrative that deserves awards recognition. The Long Walk ultimately delivers a thrilling, thought-provoking film, albeit with some unarticulated messages. It offers a cautious but poignant narrative reflective of contemporary global anxieties.