Commentary: ‘The Long Walk’ Is A Film Beyond Labels Of Good Or Bad
by Frank Martin
A lot of times people want to know if a movie is good or bad. This is often a reductive and subjective opinion that tries to root itself in seemingly objective analysis. However, a movie can straddle this line so well that it becomes something more than good or bad. It can be a well-produced film that isn’t necessarily joyous to watch. Movies communicate to us, and some of them have a lot to say regardless of their entertainment value. The Long Walk is one such film.
In a dystopian future where America is plagued by a terrible depression, the country hosts the Long Walk — a competition in which young men walk with no end until only one remains. Those who fall behind are killed. It’s a grueling experience, both mentally and physically. In the end, the last two boys, Peter McVries (David Jonsson) and Raymond “Ray” Garraty (Cooper Hoffman) become close friends while watching those around them die. The story concludes as McVries is ready to give himself up, but Ray has other ideas…
From a technical standpoint, the film is beautiful. It’s well acted, edited, paced, and features deep philosophical dialogue that cuts to the core of what it means to be human. It’s is an emotional journey filled with gut-wrenching moments. At the same time, gut-wrenching moments is all it has. There is no meaningful purpose to the movie. It’s a gauntlet of misery and suffering without mercy, making it a difficult film to recommend. Nevertheless, existing in both of these worlds between good and bad is an honor few films manage to achieve.
The Long Walk is now streaming on HBO Max.
