The Long Walk (2025) Review: An Engaging Story Undone by Racial Tropes

It has been decades in the making, but Stephen King’s first-written novel finally arrives on the big screen. The Long Walk follows a brutal competition where one hundred teenage boys must walk without stopping. If they slow down or fall behind, they face a swift and merciless consequence. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the film immerses audiences in a chilling journey of endurance, nationalism, and survival that asks a haunting question: how far can you go before you break?

The Long Walk Review:

The Good

The performances were top-notch across the board. Cooper Hoffman shines as Ray, showing courage, vulnerability, and grit in a role that proves he has a bright future ahead. As the son of Philip Seymour Hoffman, it is clear talent runs in the family. David Jonsson also delivers one of the most magnetic performances in the film. His charm, wit, and charisma make him captivating to watch, and it is hard not to see shades of a young Chadwick Boseman in his work.

The story itself is straightforward yet compelling. The rules are simple: walk or die. This immediately puts the audience in a mindset of sizing up every character, wondering who will endure and who will fall. The simplicity of the premise becomes its strength, driving suspense from the very first mile.

Cooper Hoffman as Garraty and David Jonsson as McVries in The Long Walk. Photo Credit: Murray Close

Another strong element is the emotional attachment to the boys. As friendships and bonds form along the walk, every loss becomes more impactful. The film makes you care about these characters, which heightens the dread each time a gunshot echoes.

The horror in The Long Walk is not just psychological but visceral. The filmmakers did not shy away from gore and violence. Scenes of collapse, exhaustion, and graphic consequences hit hard, forcing you to think about the toll such an ordeal would take on the human body. It is gruesome yet effective.

Mark Hamill as The Major in The Long Walk. Photo Credit: Murray Close/Lionsgate

Francis Lawrence also weaves in the allegorical themes from King’s novel. Originally written as a metaphor for the Vietnam War draft, the film updates those ideas with reflections on nationalism and authoritarianism in today’s world. It feels timely and disturbing in ways that mirror the unease of our current climate.

The Bad

There are troubling racial tropes that stand out, especially in the second half. The presence of the white savior, best Black friend, and magical Negro tropes undermines the story. These portrayals strip certain characters of agency and reduce them to serving the journey of the white protagonist.

Roman Griffin Davis as Curly in The Long Walk. Photo Credit: Murray Close

One Black character in particular becomes a frustrating example of the magical Negro stereotype, displaying near-superhuman endurance without injury while other boys struggle and falter. Instead of giving this character personal motivations or desires, the film centers his existence around helping the white lead. These choices reinforce outdated and damaging stereotypes that cinema should have left behind.

Another issue is pacing. While the suspense works in many moments, certain sections drag, which makes the film feel longer than necessary. Combined with some heavy-handed messaging, it occasionally loses the sharp edge of its premise.

The Verdict

The Long Walk is a chilling allegory of survival and nationalism that captures the terrifying endurance test of Stephen King’s story. The performances, violence, and themes are compelling enough to keep audiences engaged from start to finish. However, the reliance on outdated racial tropes is deeply disappointing and takes away from what could have been a groundbreaking adaptation.

This is a film that will spark conversation. Some will see it as a bold thriller that resonates with modern issues, while others may walk away frustrated by its problematic character choices. Either way, it is worth watching in theaters for the unsettling atmosphere and emotional performances.

Director: Francis Lawrence
Writer(s): JT Mollner
Stars: Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Roman Griffin Davis, Jordan Gonzalez, Joshua Odjick, Josh Hamilton, Judy Greer, Mark Hamill
The Long Walk comes to theaters September 12th, 2025. Be sure to follow E-Man’s Movie Reviews on Facebook, Subscribe on YouTube, or follow me on Twitter/IG @EmansReviews for even more movie news and reviews!