THE LONG WALK 🤩

Growing up as a Gen X kid, I read A LOT of Stephen King novels and novellas. Even as young as 6, I would sneak my mom’s copies of FIRESTARTER and SALEM’S LOT and read as much as I could understand. The first time I saw THE SHINING was on TV at age 5. I read IT in middle school and spent the summer between freshman and sophomore year of high school reading THE STAND. STAND BY ME was my first rated R movie I saw in theatres (without an adult), and this was after I’d read THE BODY, the novella it was based on. But I somehow made it well into adulthood before I had even heard of THE LONG WALK and only caught up on the printed version of it earlier this year. King’s adaptations have been all over the place. There are the best ones, like MISERY, to the very bad like THE LANGOLIERS. Does anyone remember that dud?  I’m happy to report that THE LONG WALK is near the top thanks to an incredible cast and some necessary changes from the printed word that keep the story focused and relevant. 

Stephen King started to write THE LONG WALK in the mid-60s, while still a freshman in college. It wasn’t released until 1979 under his pen name, Richard Bachman, but the spirit of its themes was still fresh in the minds of Americans—a metaphor for the Vietnam War. 46 years after its publication, the film adaptation is here, and the metaphor is as clear as day. The early screening I attended had a predominantly young audience, and during the Q&A that followed, it was interesting to see what they took away from the film. Examples of toxic masculinity and how internet propaganda can create dangerous situations were discussed. For me, THE LONG WALK still represents the Vietnam War, and it reminds us of a time we should never want to go back to. 

If you haven’t read the novel, you can still probably guess what this movie is about: A very long walk. The premise is that in an alternative version of the United States, a group of young men is chosen from volunteers to walk until only one remains standing. No breaks to eat, use the restroom, or sleep. Several fantastic performances elevate the story within THE LONG WALK, but most of all, Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson as Raymond Garraty and Peter McVries, respectively. Strangers from very different backgrounds at the start of the walk, the two become close and learn to depend on one another for support, camaraderie, and survival. Hoffman is the son of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. He’s only 22 years old, and he could have a long, successful acting career ahead of him if he wants it. Jonsson was the android Andy in last year’s ALIEN: ROMULUS. He was great there, but he’s phenomenal in THE LONG WALK. 

THE LONG WALK isn’t a classic horror film, but it’s filled with tense, grim, and bloody scenes. The walk itself is the horror. There are some major changes from the book to the screen, and I think at least one of them will be controversial. But I’m glad these changes were made. It kept the film focused and made it feel more relevant to modern day. 

THE LONG WALK is now playing exclusively in theatres.