The Long Walk Review: A Deeply Devastating Yet Profound Film

The Long Walk boasts incredible performances all around, but is an extremely difficult watch even for those who know what they are getting into.

If you know the premise of The Long Walk, it should come as no surprise to learn that it is one of the most difficult watches of the year, without a doubt. In a post-war dystopian world, a teenage boy from each state volunteers to walk until there is only one of them left. The winner will receive enough money to never have to worry about a thing for the rest of his life, and one wish. And when I say until one of them is left, I mean if they slow down too much, or veer off the pavement, they will be killed.

This is the first story that Stephen King ever wrote. He considers it one of his darkest, which says something. Though there is the occasional joke, The Long Walk is dark, depressing, and honestly, quite devastating. While there are good messages and lessons sprinkled throughout the story, overall, it is a difficult watch, to say the least.

Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson lead the film, as Garraty and McVries, respectively. Both are incredible actors, with unforgettable past roles, but it is in The Long Walk that they prove they have what it takes to bring home awards. I would be shocked if they both do not end up nominated when awards season rolls around. That said, the entire cast is incredible, really giving their all each and every time they are on screen.

It is hard to make a movie that is mostly comprised of talking entertaining. Especially when you consider that on top of that, it really is just a bunch of boys walking and getting to know one another. While there is the occasional argument, The Long Walk could have easily been extremely boring. But because of the high stakes and stellar performances, it is impossible to look away, even when you want to.

As a mother, I found myself instantly resonating with Judy Greer’s character, Ginny Garraty. To have to see your child go through this would be devastating, to say the least. She is not on screen much, but when she is, she shines. In fact, it is one scene with her, towards the end, that affected me so much that I had tears streaming down my face.

Mark Hamill plays The Major, the villain, so to speak. He is the one who leads the charge of these boys, constantly reminding them that only one of them is going to make it to the end. Hamill is always fantastic, so it should come as no surprise to know he once again delivers a great performance.

Overall Thoughts on The Long Walk

The Long Walk is one of those movies that will likely stick with viewers for a long time. It has its moments of comedy, which are woven in so that audiences can take a break from the depressing scenes, but overall it is something that is difficult to watch, no matter how prepared you think you are.

There is not a lot of action at all, but rather deep, meaningful conversations that may help viewers sort some of their own things out in their head. It is a good movie. No, a great movie. With incredible, award-worthy performances, it is still hard to say it is an enjoyable watch, simply because of the events that unfold.

The Long Walk comes to theaters everywhere on September 12th.

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The Long Walk boasts incredible performances all around, but is an extremely difficult watch even for those who know what they are getting into.

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