The Long Walk (MA)
Directed by: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Judy Greer
Review by: Julian Wright
A group of desperate young men walk, talk and trauma bond in this tense and moving adaptation of a Stephen King novel.
In a dystopian, post-war America, the only hope for wealth young men have is to enter into an annual walking competition.
Sounds simple enough, but there is no set finish line – it is a walk cross-country to the death.
The men must maintain a certain speed and anyone who slows down or cops three warnings is shot on the spot.
Those left keep walking until there is one man standing.
Raymond Garraty (Cooper Hoffman) signs up and is dropped off at the starting point by his single mum Ginnie (Judy Greer).
He is immediately drawn to fellow competitor Peter McVries (David Jonsson) and the two get along like a house on fire, and quickly form a close camaraderie with a handful of other competitors.
Bonds form and motivations are revealed, which makes it even more devastating when they begin to meet their fate one buy one.
Who knew walking and talking could be so intense?
The Long Walk puts you through the gamut of emotions as we witness these likable characters trauma bond and develop deep connections with their competitors while fighting off the inevitable.
There are moments that are amusing, thought-provoking and downright shocking, and you will find yourself tearing up at least twice.
What is nice about this story is that the majority of these characters do not start out antagonistic despite being in competition with each other – they enter into this scenario with humility – an important tactic to ensure they are endearing to the audience.
This is one of the best depictions of male bonding on film with these young men allowed to be seen as sensitive and vulnerable.
Director Francis Lawrence has assembled a terrific cast of mostly unknowns – there is not a single weak link among them.
And in his dedication to realism, his adaptation doesn’t shy away from certain realities and how the men handle them – particularly bathroom breaks, which adds to the unflinching experience.
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