MOVIE REVIEW | Stephen King’s The Long Walk – From the mind of Stephen King and the vision of Francis Lawrence (The Hunger Games franchise) comes The Long Walk, an adaptation of King’s first-written novel that trades supernatural horror for something far more intimate, emotional, and devastating.
Starring Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Roman Griffin Davis, Jordan Gonzalez, Joshua Odjick, and Josh Hamilton, with Judy Greer and Mark Hamill, the film assembles a striking ensemble to carry its chilling yet deeply human story.
Going in, one might expect the standard Stephen King treatment—claustrophobic scares, perhaps something closer to Misery. But The Long Walk is different. This isn’t horror in the traditional sense; instead, it’s a psychological and emotional gauntlet, a meditation on endurance, survival, and the cost of victory.
After a brief introduction, the rules are set: 50 volunteers walk. One winner. Everyone else is executed.
From there, the film is quite literally what its title promises—over 95% of the runtime is the walk itself. And yet, it never drags. The conversations, tensions, and bonds formed on the road make for an experience that is unexpectedly gripping.
What could have felt monotonous becomes a powerful journey, emotionally layered and thematically rich. The audience is taken on a rollercoaster: moments of humour, bursts of anger, and stretches of unbearable sorrow. By the time the final act hits, the theatre is as emotionally drained as the walkers themselves.
The ending will likely divide audiences—some may find it abrupt or ambiguous, while others will consider it hauntingly perfect. Either way, the emotional impact is undeniable.
The Long Walk is painful, inspirational, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. It’s less a traditional thriller than a profound endurance test—both for its characters and for the audience. If you’re going in, be prepared: bring tissues, brace yourself mentally, and let the story take you where it will. The payoff is worth it.
Stephen King’s The Long Walk – in cinemas 11 September, 2025
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MOVIE REVIEW | Stephen King’s The Long Walk
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Rating
Aaron: 9.5 / 10 “A daring, emotional triumph that redefines what a Stephen King adaptation can be.“
Zak: 9.5 / 10 “So many life lessons. Just what I needed. “
Synopsis:
From the highly anticipated adaptation of master storyteller Stephen King’s first-written novel, and Francis Lawrence, the visionary director of The Hunger Games franchise films (Catching Fire, Mockingjay – Pts. 1 & 2, and The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes), comes THE LONG WALK, an intense, chilling, and emotional thriller that challenges audiences to confront a haunting question: how far could you go?
Lionsgate presents, in association with Media Capital Technologies, a Vertigo Entertainment / about:blank production, THE LONG WALK, directed by Francis Lawrence, screenplay by JT Mollner, based on the novel by Stephen King.
| Release Date: | In Cinemas September 11 |
| Cast: | Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Roman Griffin Davis, Jordan Gonzalez, Joshua Odjick, Josh Hamilton, with Judy Greer, and Mark Hamill |
| Directed By: | Francis Lawrence |
| Screenplay By: | JT Mollner |
| Based on the Novel by: | Stephen King |
Cinema Experience:
Event Cinemas Innaloo is generally known for delivering a premium experience—great sound, comfortable chairs, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether it’s the spacious layouts or the impressive VMAX screens, it’s usually a top spot for a night at the movies.
However, on this occasion, The Long Walk was screened in one of the smaller theatres, and the difference was noticeable. The seating was extremely tight, with chairs positioned very close together and almost no legroom to speak of. If someone needed to get up mid-session, it meant either stepping over fellow patrons or having entire rows stand to make way. After nearly two hours in these cramped conditions, discomfort set in—my legs were actually sore from the lack of space.
While it didn’t detract from the outstanding sound quality and the professionalism of the staff (who continue to provide excellent service), the physical setup of this smaller theatre was disappointing. For a film as intense and emotionally draining as The Long Walk, comfort matters—and unfortunately, this time, the cramped seating left a mark on the overall experience.
No complimentary popcorn was offered on this visit, but as always, the cinema itself was clean, well-run, and technically flawless. Here’s hoping future screenings of major releases like this one find their way back to the larger-format theatres that Event Innaloo is best known for.
