The Long Walk (2025), is adapted from master story teller Stephen King’s dystopian novel , and is a gripping, emotionally charged thriller that lingers long after the credits roll. Set in an authoritarian America, it follows 50 teenage boys forced into an annual walking contest: keep up a minimum pace, or face execution. Cooper Hoffman plays Ray Garraty, who forms a fragile bond with fellow walker Peter McVries (David Jonsson). Judy Greer and Mark Hamill (as the ruthless overseer, “The Major”) also deliver hauntingly sharp roles.
Stylistically, The Long Walk uses a muted, retro palette and sparse landscapes to heighten dread. The cinematography by Jo Willems emphasizes the endless road, the firefighters’, and the weariness in each step. Themes of survival, sacrifice, camaraderie, and authoritarian fear run through the film, how far someone will go, what humanity looks like under pressure. Critics have praised it as one of the strongest Stephen King adaptations yet, with reviews highlighting standout performances by Hoffman and Jonsson, others noting that the film is impossible to turn away from. It is being mentioned in discussions for awards already and could well be one of the must see films for 2025.
If you love the work of Stephen King or liked The Hunger Games (2012) or Battle Royale (2000) then this could well be one for you.
