The Mosley Review: The Long Walk

It has been a very long time since a film has shaken me to my very emotional core. Its not because of the action within or atmosphere of the story being told, but it is the experience of immersion and care taken to each frame and or character involved. Author Stephen King has made a lifetime of being one of the few literary masters of storytelling that can take you on a truly timeless and sometimes terrifying journey. Its when King gives you a human based form of terror instead of the supernatural is where I pay the most attention. I was the most excited for this story and its film adaptation because even though I never read the book, the premise intrigued me. I just didn't know how shocked and saddened I would be by it. From the opening title sequence, this film let you know that you are watching everyday, some of them good people, voluntarily to walk their death and I couldn't help feel the dread all the way through. I was attached to just about every character and they were brilliantly brought to life by an amazing cast. The reason why I was most saddened was the fact because that in the world we're living in now, it wouldn’t surprise me that people would actually do something like this. Its a timeless allegory of desperation breeds innovation and in this case, death as well.

Cooper Hoffman was fantastic as Raymond "Ray" Garraty (#47). He was so relatable and determined to try his best be a great guy in a world so dower. His personality shines the most as we get to know him and how he treats his fellow competitors. Through his eyes, you witness the stress and emotional toll of each death and exhausting mile he treks along. Judy Greer gives a truly heartbreaking performance his mother Ginnie. The few scenes they have together were truly gut wrenching as we see the indescribable pain of knowing and seeing your child walk to their potential end. Garrett Wareing was great as the fit and isolationist, Billy Stebbins (#38). He represented that one guy you know in the group that is not a team player and just watches as everyone around falls. He had no remorse for the most part but as the story progresses, I liked that we got to meet the real man behind the muscle. Joshua Odjick as Collie Parker (#48) was great as the strong and angry Arthur Baker (#6). His rage was his motivation as he became a pressure cooker waiting to go off, but he wasn't without a sense of humor in the darkest moments. Tut Nyuot was wonderful as the good southern gentleman Arthur Baker (#6). He was a humble man that was there not only for the price, but for companionship. He was definitely part of the lightest side of the group that started to form on the road. I loved Ben Wang as the quick witted book worm of the group, Hank Olson (#46). He would always come in with a mix pessimistic knowledge and offbeat jokes to lighten the mood. I did love his facts about the walk and the sort of history lesson being conveyed to the audience. He had the roughest moment of the film in my opinion and it his words still echo in my head. Now the actor and character that stole the film and my heart was David Jonsson as Peter McVries (#23). David delivers an outstanding and optimistic performance that tugs at your heart so heavily as his joyful voice of morale keeps everyone moving. His companionship with Arthur, Hank and especially Ray, was the heart of the film. The brotherhood that forms between him and Ray was the best part of the film and I couldn't get enough of them together. The meaning of his personal story was a metaphor for what our world truly needs now more than ever. Charlie Plummer was down right mean as the antagonist Gary Barkovitch (#5). There's always that one guy on a team or in a contest that has the darkest mentality when left alone. You hate the guy for what he is, the death that he causes, but as you get to know him, you see that he is pretty much a tortured soul that didn't know how to communicate with ordinary people without being so callous. I pitied him in the end. Mark Hamill was fantastic as the leader of the military force behind it all, The Major. The cold stare of his black aviators acted as a dark void with no soul beneath. His almost robotic and emotionless line delivery made him all the more somewhat demonic as he pushed the boys forward.

The score by Jeremiah Fraites was heartbreaking, chilling, and the main theme made for a haunting reminder of the deadly stakes of the story. Visually the film was stunning as we get to see the gorgeous countryside in various weather conditions and the darkness within the brush as we see the people watch along the roads. I loved that the film did not shy away from the brutality of the violence and the physical aspect of the walk. There is some natural body horror that occurs and with the rules being so strict, you can guess what happens. I also loved the showcasing of the mental degradation everyone goes through and how they try to persevere. Out of all the stories Stephen King has written, I think this one and The Green Mile might have to be the most heartbreaking adaptations I've ever witnessed on the big screen. Director Francis Lawrence has directed another fantastic character driven story that should not be missed. This will definitely have a spot on my best films of 2025 list. Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!