The Long Walk Review: Trailer, Plot, Pros, and Cons

Contents:

• What happens in the film
• The history of the film adaptation of "The Long Walk"
• King and the film adaptations of his books
• Common plot lines of the book and the film
• Differences between the film and the book
• What the film succeeds in
• Disadvantages of the film adaptation

On September 18, Francis Lawrence's new film based on Stephen King's novel The Long Walk will be released in Russia. This book, written by a master of horror, took a long time—nearly 60 years—to be adapted for film. The film promises to be a fascinating experience for fans of both King's literature and cinema.

Director Lawrence, who gave audiences four films in the "Hunger Games" series, once again masterfully illustrates how power turns youth into expendable material. In the new film, teenagers are once again forced to fight for survival for the sake of spectacle, but this time without the usual bow and arrow. Film critic Timur Aliyev analyzes the result of this tense film, which raises important questions about the cost of survival in a totalitarian society. The film makes you think about the influence of power on people's lives and how cruel circumstances shape the character and destinies of adolescents.

What happens in the film

In an alternative version of history, America is faced with serious upheaval. Although the details of the events remain a mystery, a large-scale war is hinted at. As a result, a show called "The Long Walk" is held annually in the country. This unusual event involves 50 young men representing each of the 50 American states. They gather to walk a designated route, overseen by a Major, played by Mark Hamill. This sunglasses-wearing officer not only delivers patriotic speeches but also supports the participants, regardless of their circumstances. The Long Walk becomes a symbol of struggle and unity, reflecting the complex historical events that shaped the American nation.

Participants must travel at least three miles per hour. Stopping, slowing, or falling will result in a warning. If no violations occur within the next hour, the warning is lifted. After three warnings, the participant is placed under close surveillance: a military convoy is on standby, ready to use force at any moment. The winner is the last person standing. The prize is a substantial cash reward and the granting of one wish, provided it does not violate the law or require a change in institutional norms. For example, it is impossible to cancel The Long Walk for future generations.

The story centers on two teenagers. Pete McVries (David Jonsson) is a cynical jokester who hides deep emotional trauma and feelings of loneliness behind his sarcasm. Ray Garraty (Cooper Hoffman) is a naive dreamer from Maine who believes in the system's justice and hopes to win. In the past, the Major killed his father in front of Ray and his mother. Now the young man dreams of revenge and plans that after his victory, he will wish for a carbine to deal with the officer. This story of friendship, betrayal, and the search for justice makes you think about the consequences of choices and the internal struggles of each character.

The friendship between Ray and Pete is the central theme of The Long Walk. While these characters support each other, the other participants find themselves in different roles: some form support groups, while others become predators. These predators drive the weak to breakdowns and tragic consequences. Thus, the dynamics of the relationships between the participants highlight not only the strength of friendship but also the dangers that arise in a cutthroat competitive environment.

The Story of the Film Adaptation of "The Long Walk"

The story of the film adaptation of this novel could be the plot of a separate film. Written in 1966-1967, the novel, written under the pseudonym "Richard Bachman," was not published until 1979, when Stephen King had already established a reputation as a renowned writer. The path to publication reflects King's complex relationship with the literary world. Initially, the publisher rejected the manuscript, considering it too dark. Corporate restrictions also played a role: at that time, an author could publish no more than one book per year. However, the main obstacle was King's own doubts about the quality of his work. The fame that followed the success of Carrie left the writer with impostor syndrome, and he decided to test whether readers would be interested in his work without a famous name on the cover.

In 1987, George Romero acquired the rights to the novel with the intention of creating a scathing satire of American society, but the film was never made. In the 2000s, Frank Darabont sought to adapt the book into an intimate psychological drama but was unable to secure funding. In 2018, New Line Cinema attached André Øvredal as director, but the project was delayed due to the pandemic. It wasn't until 2023 that Lawrence, with his experience working on dystopian teen dramas, gave the novel a new film opportunity. Now viewers will be able to see how the original idea comes to life on screen.

King and film adaptations of his books

Stephen King is one of the most adapted authors in cinema history. More than 100 films and TV series have been made based on his works. In 2025, the film "Life of Chuck" starring Tom Hiddleston will be released. In the coming years, audiences can expect new film adaptations, including "The Long Walk," an updated version of "The Running Man" starring Josh Brolin and Glen Powell, and the prequel series "It: Welcome to Derry." Interest in King's work does not wane, which is confirmed by the constant flow of new adaptations of his works.

History shows that Stephen King rarely interferes in the process of adapting his works. While giving directors creative freedom, he always shares his opinion on their work. One of the few film adaptations that King considers more successful than his own book is Brian De Palma's Carrie. Unlike the novel, the film has a linear narrative, which avoids the epistolary fragmentation of the plot. The performances of Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie give the story an emotional depth that King felt was difficult to convey in text format. This adaptation is a shining example of the successful transfer of literary material to the screen, demonstrating how visual art can enrich narrative. Stephen King, the renowned horror author, expresses his dissatisfaction with Stanley Kubrick's cult film The Shining. He calls the film adaptation "a beautiful Cadillac without an engine." According to King, the character of Jack Torrance shows no development in the film: he immediately emerges as a psychopath, and the viewer does not witness his gradual degradation, which makes him a tragic figure in the original novel. King believes that film lacks the emotional depth and space for empathy inherent in the literary source. This opinion emphasizes the importance of preserving the inner world of characters and their transformation in adaptations, which significantly affects the perception of the story and its protagonists.

The author has a special attitude towards his novel The Long Walk. This work was written during his student years, influenced by the Vietnam War and social upheavals in America in the 1960s. In the foreword to the book, Stephen King describes the novel as the cry of a young man watching his generation become puppets in the hands of politicians and the military. The epigraph, containing a quote from the British philosopher Thomas Carlyle, profoundly underscores the author's main message. The novel touches on important themes of loss of freedom, manipulation of the masses, and the struggle for individuality in the face of social pressure.

The universe seems to me to be completely lifeless, devoid of purpose and will, even hostility. She looks like a huge, dead and immeasurable Steam Engine, rotating in its indifference, which mercilessly tears me apart.

Reworked text:

Explore additional materials:

Stephen King is a master of horror, whose works have been adapted for the screen many times. His books have inspired some of the best films and television series, immersing audiences in a world of fear and tension. This list features the most memorable adaptations that capture the atmosphere of the original works and allow you to experience all the horrors King created. From classic films like The Shining and Psycho to modern series like Mr. Mercedes and 11.22.63, each work leaves a deep mark on the horror genre. These adaptations not only reflect Stephen King's talent but also demonstrate the film industry's mastery of creating gripping stories that continue to frighten and surprise audiences. By examining these masterpieces, you can truly understand why Stephen King remains an iconic author in the world of horror.

Basic Plots of the Book and the Film

The screenplay for The Long Walk carefully preserves the core elements of the source material. The plot generally remains faithful to the book, with much of the characters' dialogue remaining virtually unchanged. Lawrence masterfully creates a world in which the state provides its citizens with violent spectacles—cameras capture the suffering of those doomed to death, transforming the agony of teenagers into a popular television show. This creates a striking contrast between the brutality of the events and public perception, highlighting issues of morality and human nature.

At first, the young people perceive what is happening as a frivolous adventure. They laugh at the military convoy, parody the major's speeches, and make ambitious plans for the future, including the wishes they plan to make at the end. However, the long journey begins to take its toll: their feet become covered in blisters and calluses, and their eyelids become droopy from lack of sleep. When the first participants start dying, the jokes stop. The group of teenagers, who initially laughed at the soldiers and dreamed of the prize money, turns into a group of exhausted and frightened young men who cling to each other as their last hope. This shift in perception highlights how harsh conditions can break even the most carefree, forcing them to face reality.

King raised the issue a society that consumes its children, and Lawrence continues this thought. The screen unfolds to a picture of a country where residents annually celebrate a national holiday dedicated to the deaths of children. Television cameras mounted on military armored personnel carriers record the events around the clock, allowing viewers to observe what is happening. Live spectators appear along the roads: some support the participants of the show, others express schadenfreude and curses. Against this background, the image of a Kronos-state begins to take shape, which not only consumes its children, but also forces citizens to applaud this madness. The theme of social inequality and moral decline becomes central, emphasizing how a society can stop valuing life and humanity.

Differences between the film and the book

In the book «The Long Walk» :The Walk starts with 100 runners, while in the film the number is reduced to 50. This change is due to the difficulty of visualizing and remembering a large number of characters in a feature-length film. In addition, the pace has changed: in the book, the runners walked at a speed of 4 miles (6.4 km) per hour, while in the film it is 3 miles (4.8 km) per hour. A pace like 4 miles per hour is difficult to maintain for 24 hours, especially considering that in both the novel and the film, "The Walk" lasts about five days. Reducing the speed to 3 miles makes the marathon more realistic, while retaining its excruciating nature.

One of the key differences is the absence of Ray Garraty's internal monologues in the film adaptation. In Stephen King's book, the hero recalls important moments from his life: how his father taught him how to fix a car, how he kissed his girlfriend Jen at prom, how his mother tearfully saw him off to a show. Ray contemplates death, analyzes the behavior of other participants, and dreams of a future where victory awaits him and the Major is in the crosshairs. In the film, many aspects of Garraty's character were shortened and underdeveloped, and some internal reflections were relegated to dialogue with other characters. This reduction in character depth can reduce the viewer's empathy and make it difficult to understand their motivations.

The film doesn't pay enough attention to the people who gather along the route of the Long Walk. The book features numerous fans who not only photograph the participants but also organize a betting pool with bets on the winner. Director Francis Lawrence seems to have decided to focus on the isolation of the characters during their walk, so these details are absent from the film adaptation. The political component fades into the background. Stephen King's original text contains many details about the workings of this death machine, why Americans watch with indifference the murder of teenagers, and how the distorted economy of bloody spectacle functions. Lawrence only hints at these aspects, which makes the film less profound in its social context.

What the film succeeds in

The realism of The Long Walk has a depressing effect. At first glance, creating an effective film in which the main driving force of the plot is a simple walk seems impossible. However, cinematographer Joe Willems, known for such projects as "The Hunger Games," "Red Sparrow," and "American Gods," masterfully creates the atmosphere. For nearly two hours, the viewer is immersed in a world of dusty roads, dead animals on the side of the road, gray, cloud-covered skies, dilapidated houses, wrecked cars, and the occasional passerby with empty stares. Every scene exudes an atmosphere of decay and devastation, which, taken as a whole, reflects the image of a decaying America. The film provokes reflection on the social and environmental problems that permeate modern society.

The performances of the young actors stand out from the overall picture. The friendship that develops between McVries and Garraty is explored on a deeper level than in the original novel. The chemistry between Hoffman and Johnson feels organic and natural, giving the impression that they have known each other since childhood. Garraty begins with a naive faith in the system and gradually comes to the realization that survival is only possible with others. McVries supports his friend even in the most difficult moments, when he himself is barely able to stand. Their friendship becomes the only bright spot in this gloomy environment, and the actors convey its sincerity without the slightest falsehood.

Direction Lawrence deserves special recognition. He managed to create a film that differs from The Hunger Games, where for a long time he was perceived solely as the director of that franchise. There was a perception that he was a "one-hit wonder," similar to what happened to Daniel Radcliffe after Harry Potter. However, Lawrence demonstrates a mastery of creating tension and suspense using even the most insignificant plot details. His ability to keep the audience on edge makes his work unique and memorable in the world of cinema. Over time, attention focuses on the characters' every movement, every unevenness, stone, or wire on the pavement, in anticipation of the next second when they might trip and receive a warning. The camera clearly captures the changes in the teenagers' facial expressions: first they smile, then frown, and by the end their gaze becomes empty, as if before them there is only an abyss, and thoughts of victory disappear.

Disadvantages of the film adaptation

One of the main drawbacks of "The Long Walk" is its predictability. Even without reading the text, it is easy to guess the ending. The film is released against the backdrop of such popular projects as "The Squid Game," "Battle Royale," and "The Hunger Games," as well as many other dystopian films, many of which have already achieved cult status. In most of them, the main characters are teenagers who are forced to fight either each other or a repressive state. "The Long Walk" adheres to established genre conventions, offering nothing new.

The film's central metaphor is clear from the opening minutes, and King's anti-military rhetoric is easily recognizable. However, the film is nearly two hours long, and many scenes feel artificially drawn out. Shots of teenagers walking along the road sometimes feel repetitive and monotonous. The topics of their conversations and the conflicts that arise are often repetitive: discussions of winning, appearance, family problems, worries about food and water shortages, toilet difficulties, and constant reflections on victory. These repetitions create a sense of protractedness, which can distract the viewer from the main idea of ​​the film.

Lawrence's film lacks the sharpness with which King criticizes the military-industrial complex and gun rights supporters. The director seems keen to avoid political accusations and approaches these issues cautiously, given the current polarization in American society. Themes that could have been explored in the context of a wicked satire are only hinted at, but not fully developed, in the film.

The film adaptation of "The Long Walk" is a successful adaptation of a complex literary source, despite its shortcomings. Director Lawrence has created a film that is uncomfortable and thought-provoking, leaving a powerful impression. After viewing it, you are forced to ask yourself many difficult questions. Perhaps this is why it took fifty years for the novel to appear on screen: the modern world is finally ready to understand the ideas that a 19-year-old Stephen King expressed more than half a century ago. The film not only evokes emotions, but also provokes deep reflection on human nature and society.