The Long Walk: David Johnson and Cooper Hoffman Deliver Awards-Caliber Performances

Welp, I’m never watching that again. The Long Walk is without question one of the most depressing movies you’ll see this year. You step in with good spirits, but by the time the credits roll, you’re left emotionally shattered. It’s not an easy watch, but it is an undeniably powerful one.

What makes this film unforgettable are the performances. Nearly every actor involved feels award-worthy, and the ensemble cast brings the story to life with raw intensity. David Johnson continues to cement himself as one of the most exciting actors of his generation, delivering yet another standout performance. His chemistry with Cooper Hoffman is the heartbeat of the film—their scenes together balance tenderness, pain, and resilience in ways that linger long after the movie ends.

Each character gets their chance to shine, whether through moments of camaraderie, empathy, or genuine friendship. These smaller, human touches make the film’s darker themes all the more devastating, and when the emotional punches land, they land hard.

Still, the movie isn’t without its flaws. Certain tired tropes appear yet again, ones that feel outdated for a 2025 release. Some narrative beats play out in ways that are a bit too predictable, and the film stretches longer than necessary, testing your patience in places. Mark Hamill’s character, while promising, ends up feeling underutilized, leaving you wanting more from his role. And while the journey is intense, the ending doesn’t quite deliver the knockout it could have.

Even with those shortcomings, The Long Walk stands as one of the stronger Stephen King adaptations in recent years. It’s a haunting dystopian drama filled with heavy emotion, unforgettable performances, and a story that will stay with you long after you leave the theater—even if you’ll never want to experience it twice.